Carved Stone Offerings
Among the many votive objects found on Okinoshima were small objects carved from talc. Due to its softness and durability, talc (otherwise known as soapstone or steatite) has been an ideal carving material for thousands of years. Dating to the eighth and ninth centuries, these objects resemble boats, horses, and people. They were found in open sites on the island, around a makeshift rock altar, and are unique to the Munakata faith. These objects were the main type of offering during the final phase of rituals conducted on Okinoshima.