Clay Bells from Mount Hiko by Yamabikoya

clay, paint, straw
6" x 1"

Hiko yama gara gara are clay bell souvenirs from Mt.Hiko, the holy mountain in the Kyushu region of Japan, which people visit for pilgrimage. These bells originated in the Nara era (710-794 AD), and can still be seen at many households in the area. Traditionally, a bunch of these bells is hung at doorstep to ward off evil spirits. Local farmers in the region also put it under the soil as a talisman for preventing crops from pests and disease.