Haji clan

In this article, we are going to delve into the fascinating world of Haji clan, an exciting topic that has captured the attention of people of all ages and backgrounds. Since its emergence, Haji clan has aroused lively interest in different areas, whether in the academic, scientific, cultural or social spheres. Throughout history, Haji clan has had a significant impact on the way we understand the world around us, and its influence remains relevant today. Through this article, we will explore the various aspects and perspectives related to Haji clan, in an attempt to better understand its importance and relevance in our society.

Haji clan
土師氏
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CountryJapan
Haji clan no longer has a chief, and is an armigerous clan

The Haji clan (土師氏, Haji-uji, Haji-shi) is a Japanese clan. The clan administered earthenware artisans, organized collectively into a group called Haji-be (土師部). During the Yamato period, these artisans worked chiefly on soil-related matters, such as creating haniwa, constructing tombs and kofun, and handling other civil engineering.[1] The kabane titles of the clan are Sukune or Muraji. They were engaged in constructing the tombs of high-ranking people as well as managing the funeral ceremonies of the ōkimi ("great lords").[1]

History

The Haji clan claims descent from Ame-no-hohi, the second son of Amaterasu, which makes them relatives of the Japanese Imperial Family.[2] Nomi no Sukune was believed to be the ancestor of the clan. According to legend, he was the inventor of haniwa,[3] the terracotta clay figurines buried with a nobleman and used as a symbolic substitute for junshi, the practice whereby members of high-ranking households would commit suicide upon the passing of the household head, as a way to continue serving them in death.

The clan was later divided into three houses: the Sugawara clan, the Akishino clan, and the Ōe clan.[1]

They are relatives of the Izumo clan who are also descended from Ame no Hohi and run Izumo-taishakyo today.[4][5][6][7]

Name

The clan takes its name from haji (土師), a shift from older hani-shi, from 埴 (hani, "red clay", such as used to make terracotta) + 師 (-shi, a Chinese-derived suffix appended to indicate "master" of a craft). The hani-shi were masters of the crafts of earthenware and earthwork engineering.

In Japanese mythology, the name was given to the founder of the clan, Nomi no Sukune by Emperor Suinin after he crafted haniwa for the burial of Empress Hibasuhime.[8]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Kotobank entry for Hajishi (in Japanese; retrieved 13 July 2022)
  2. ^ Cali, J.; Dougill, J. (2012). Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion. University of Hawaii Press. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-8248-3775-4. Retrieved 2020-11-21.
  3. ^ Kotobank entry for Hajibe (in Japanese; retrieved 13 July 2022)
  4. ^ "Converting Japan, 1825–1875", The Origin of Modern Shinto in Japan : The Vanquished Gods of Izumo, Bloomsbury Academic, p. 38, ISBN 978-1-4742-7108-0, retrieved 2023-10-24
  5. ^ Cali, Joseph; Dougill, John (2012-11-30). Shinto Shrines: A Guide to the Sacred Sites of Japan's Ancient Religion (Illustrated ed.). Honolulu: Latitude 20. ISBN 978-0-8248-3713-6.
  6. ^ Matsunaga, Naomichi. "Kuni no miyatsuko". Kokugakuin University Encyclopedia of Shinto. Archived from the original on 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  7. ^ Matsunaga, Naomichi. "Izumo kokusō". Kokugakuin University Encyclopedia of Shinto. Archived from the original on 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2023-10-25.
  8. ^ "Nomi no Sukune • A History of Japan - 日本歴史". A History of Japan - 日本歴史. Retrieved 2021-09-01.