miko Shrine virgins; young women who serve

as attendants at Shinto shrines. Sometimes called

altar girls, they perform ritual dances and other
duties at larger shrines. Worshipers seeking good
luck charms usually purchase these at shrines tended
by the altar girls, who wear long white tops over
long red skirts. Serving as a miko brings great honor
to ones family.
The same word is used to refer to a female shaman.
According to ancient Shinto beliefs, the miko are
possessed by the kami, who can speak through them.
Shamans played an important role in ancient Japan.
The word also refers to small statues that were
buried with emperors during the Kofun period.
Made of clay, these statues are of women who may be
priests or able to contact the godsthat is, shamans.