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 [ja], and the Ōe clan [ja].^[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.

See also

• Nomi no Sukune
• Sugawara clan
• Hajinosato Station

References