土偶 (dogū) are ancient Japanese clay figures created during the Jomon period, which lasted from around 14,000 to 300 BCE. These figurines often depict human forms, particularly women, and are characterized by their exaggerated features, such as large hips and breasts. They are believed to have been used in rituals or as fertility symbols, reflecting the cultural beliefs of the time. The creation of 土偶 involved hand-building techniques, and they were often decorated with intricate patterns. Many examples have been found in archaeological sites across Japan, providing valuable insights into the lives and beliefs of the Jomon people, a significant part of Japan's prehistoric history.