Himiko
Himiko, a notable female ruler of the early Japanese political federation known as Yamatai, is recorded in the Chinese chronicle Wei Zhi from 297 CE. She was recognized by warring chieftains as their sovereign, likely due to her skills in a form of shamanism referred to as the "way of the demons." After ascending to power, Himiko lived in seclusion within a palace attended by a large entourage of women and a single male attendant, while her younger brother managed political affairs. During her reign, she fostered diplomatic relations with the Wei dynasty in China, gifting the emperor slaves and textiles, which led to her receiving a golden seal and recognition as the "Wa ruler friendly to the Wei." The historical account concludes with the abrupt announcement of her death and notes the construction of an earthen mound for her burial, where it is said that a hundred servants followed her in death. Despite ongoing archaeological efforts, the precise location of her grave remains undiscovered. Himiko's legacy illustrates the significance of shamanism and diplomatic ties in the political landscape of third-century Japan, reflecting a time of diverse communities engaged with China.
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Himiko
Related civilizations: Yamatai, Japan
Major role/position: Queen, shaman
Life
Knowledge of Himiko (HEE-mee-koh), a female ruler of the early Japanese political federation known as Yamatai, comes from the Chinese chronicle Wei Zhi (297 c.e.). Warring chieftains named Himiko their sovereign, most likely because of her mastery of the “way of the demons,” a form of shamanism. After becoming queen, Himiko was sequestered in a palace served by one thousand female slaves and a single male attendant. She was assisted by her younger brother, who dealt with political and administrative matters. Himiko entered into tributary relations with the Wei (Chinese) emperor. After she gave him ten slaves and two bolts of cloth, the Wei emperor titled her the “Wa ruler friendly to the Wei” and sent her a golden seal with a purple cord, textiles, and bronze mirrors. The Wei Zhi abruptly announces Himiko’s death and reports that an earthen mound was built on her grave site and that one hundred servants followed her in death. The location of this site has eluded archaeologists.
Influence
In the third century c.e., Japan was a heterogeneous group of communities in contact with China. The perceived efficacy of Himiko’s shamanism and the tributary relations she established with the Wei enabled her family to achieve political ascendancy.
Bibliography
Mulhern, C. Heroic with Grace: Legendary Women of Japan. Armonk, N.Y.: M. E. Sharpe, 1991.
Tsunoda, R., et al. Sources of Japanese Tradition. New York: Columbia University Press, 1958.