The Jomon Period

History

As the climate warmed, life became more comfortable for people, and various cultures began to emerge, collectively known as the Jōmon culture. The most famous among these is Jōmon pottery. Other notable developments include pit dwellings, polished stone tools, the use of bows and arrows, and the creation of clay figurines. Let’s explore the Jōmon period, a time when people’s culture began to flourish.

The Beginning of the Jōmon Period

The Jōmon period marks a time when a unique prehistoric culture blossomed in the Japanese archipelago, lasting from about 10,000 years ago to around 300 B.C. The period is characterized by its pottery, named after the cord-markings (“Jōmon” means “cord-marked”) found on the ceramics. The Jōmon period can be broadly divided into several phases, each with its own distinct developments.

Life During the Jōmon Period

The Jōmon period, spanning from around 10,000 B.C. to 300 B.C., was a time when a unique culture and lifestyle were cultivated over many millennia. People of this era primarily relied on hunting, fishing, and foraging as the foundation of their livelihood. Their lives were harmoniously intertwined with nature, living off the bounties provided by the changing seasons.

The Emergence of Pottery

The advent of pottery brought significant changes to the lifestyle of the Jōmon period. Pottery revolutionized food storage and cooking methods, leading to a diversification of diet. The ability to store food in pottery allowed for the long-term preservation of food supplies, greatly contributing to the stability of life. Previously, a lack of food could lead to immediate hunger, but with the advent of pottery, people could survive periods of scarcity by relying on stored food. The shapes and patterns of pottery changed over time, serving as valuable materials that convey the culture and technological level of the era.

The people of the time hunted large mammals such as deer, boars, and bears, fished for freshwater fish like salmon, trout, and sweetfish, and gathered shellfish and marine fish. In terms of gathering, they collected plant-based foods such as acorns, chestnuts, and walnuts. Acorns, chestnuts, and walnuts, rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, played a crucial role in their diet, especially since they could now be preserved thanks to the creation of pottery.
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The Birth of Pit Dwellings

The primary form of housing during the Jōmon period was the pit dwelling. These were structures made by digging a hole in the ground, erecting pillars within it, and then covering it with a roof. This design was well-suited for protection against the cold of winter and the heat of summer. The widespread use of pit dwellings marked a significant advancement in sedentary living and promoted the formation of settlements. In these settlements, communal activities took place, including shared storage and communal cemeteries, strengthening community bonds.
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The Birth of a Communal Society

With the formation of settlements, the Jōmon period society began to show early forms of a chiefdom system. This system involved certain individuals or families gaining social and religious leadership roles, facilitating coordination and governance within the group. Chiefs and their families were distinguished from other members through special burial practices and ritualistic items. Such changes in social structure encouraged the division of roles and the formation of hierarchies, leading to the development of more complex social organizations.

The Birth of Dogu

With the emergence of communal societies during the Jomon period, dogu, figurines presumed to be used in religious rituals, were created. The majority of these dogu from the Jomon period appear to be female, featuring characteristics symbolic of femininity and maternity such as ample breasts, bellies, and emphasized buttocks. It is believed these female figurines were used for magical purposes or during ceremonies praying for childbirth and fertility. Additionally, some dogu show signs of intentional damage, suggesting a belief that breaking the figurines as part of a ritual could unleash their magical efficacy.(Image citation: 歴史人)

Tools Used by People of the Jomon Period

The Jomon period people crafted various tools to support their livelihood, among which polished stone tools, bone and antler implements, and bows and arrows were particularly significant. These tools were intricately linked to their daily lives and subsistence, providing essential insight into the technology and culture of the Jomon period.

Polished Stone Tools

Polished stone tools, shaped by grinding, include cutting tools, axes, and arrowheads used for felling and processing wood. Axes and chisels, in particular, were indispensable for woodworking, constructing dwellings, and crafting boats. Arrowheads were attached to arrows for hunting. The production techniques of polished stone tools evolved throughout the Jomon period, diversifying in shape and size.
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Bone and Antler Implements

Crafted from animal bones, antlers, and tusks, these tools were used for hooks, needles, and spear tips. Bone fishhooks played a crucial role in fishing, essential for detailed work, while bone needles were used to sew animal hides into clothing, a critical aspect of Jomon attire. The variety in the form and function of these implements showcases the advanced skills and ingenuity of the Jomon people.
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Bows and Arrows

Bows and arrows were primary hunting tools for the Jomon people, combining wooden bows with arrows made of wood or bamboo, tipped with stone or bone. This enabled efficient and relatively safe hunting from a distance. Bows and arrows might also have been used in inter-group conflicts and for self-defense.
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Shell Mounds

Shell mounds are archaeological sites formed by layers of discarded shells, animal bones, broken pottery and stone tools, and occasionally human bones, typically found near coastlines or rivers. They offer a glimpse into the lives of prehistoric people, including those from the Jomon period. The first shell mound in Japan was discovered in 1877 by American zoologist Edward S. Morse in Shinagawa, Tokyo, and named the Omori Shell Mound.

Primarily, these mounds were created by ancient people discarding the shells of consumed mollusks, often near their dwellings, especially close to water bodies. Continuous disposal of shells and other domestic waste at the same location led to the accumulation and formation of shell mounds over time. Analysis of these mounds reveals the types of mollusks consumed, shedding light on the dietary habits and interaction with the environment of ancient people. Additionally, animal bones inform us about hunting and fishing practices, while the stone and pottery artifacts provide insight into their tools, technology, and lifestyle. Human remains offer valuable information about the health and habits of these ancient communities.
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The Sannai-Maruyama Site

The Sannai-Maruyama site, located in Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture, is a large settlement from the Late Jomon Period (approximately 4,000 to 5,500 years ago) and stands as one of the most significant sites representing Jomon culture in Japan. Since the commencement of excavation research in 1992, the site has become renowned for its extensive scale and the exceptional preservation of its archaeological features.

Spanning about 3.5 hectares, the Sannai-Maruyama site encompasses numerous pit dwelling remains, remnants of large structures, storage pits, and cemeteries. Of particular interest is the evidence of a large-scale settlement indicative of a complex social structure. One of the most prominent features is the remains of a large building, measuring approximately 32 meters in length and 5 meters in width. Situated at the heart of the settlement, this structure is speculated to have served as a social and ceremonial center for the Jomon community, suggesting a highly organized society at the time. Additionally, several stone pillars and alignments found at the site are believed to be associated with rituals or beliefs, providing insights into the religious and cosmological perspectives of the Jomon people.

Archaeological findings at the site include a variety of plant-based foods such as chestnuts and acorns, as well as bones of animals like deer and wild boar, which were hunted. These discoveries reflect the diverse diet of the Jomon people, heavily reliant on nature’s bounty.
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The Late Jomon Period

Towards the end of the Jomon Period, the climate gradually became cooler, leading to changes in the ecosystem. This climatic shift significantly impacted the lives of the Jomon people, making their traditional lifestyle centered around hunting, gathering, and fishing increasingly challenging. The reduction in food resources compelled them to reconsider their subsistence strategies, setting the stage for the transition to rice cultivation in the ensuing Yayoi Period.