Hoko (doll)
A Hoko (這子 hōko, literally "crawling child"), is a kind of soft-bodied doll given to young women of age and especially to pregnant women in Japan to protect both mother and unborn child; it was not unusual to see hoko dolls placed at the head of a pregnant woman about to give birth to ensure a safe birth for the mother and baby. They are similar to Amagatsu (lit. "heavenly cherubs), the first true plaything and clothing dolls, documented back to the early 12th century. Amagatsu would also accompany and protect the child at their miyamairi (presentation to the community at the local shrine). During these periods both dolls were still considered to have protective influences over their owners.
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