Jomon period

The Jōmon period is the time in pre-historic Japan from about 14,000 BCE to about 300 BCE. This period is named after the "cord-markings" (縄文, Jōmon) on the pottery made during this time. The Jōmon period is significant for its long duration, the emergence of a sedentary and complex hunter-gatherer culture, and the early development of pottery technology, which is among the oldest in the world.

Overview

The Jōmon period is divided into several phases: Incipient, Initial, Early, Middle, Late, and Final, each of which represents various advancements in technology, economy, and social structures. The people during this period lived mainly by hunting, fishing, and gathering, but there is also evidence of early forms of agriculture.

Culture

The Jōmon culture is characterized by its pottery, which is considered among the oldest in the world. The pottery of this period includes various forms such as deep bowls and jars with conical bases. Decorations on these potteries were made by impressing cords into the wet clay, which is distinctive of the Jōmon pottery.

Housing during the Jōmon period included pit dwellings, which were partially dug into the ground and usually had a circular or oval shape. These dwellings were often clustered into small villages, suggesting a form of community living.

Economy

The economy of the Jōmon period was primarily based on hunting, fishing, and gathering. However, there is evidence of domesticated plants such as the lacquer tree, used for making lacquerware, and possibly some forms of cultivated plants. The extensive deep-sea fishing and shellfish gathering indicate a significant reliance on marine resources.

Religion and Burial Practices

The Jōmon people practiced a form of animism, as evidenced by the numerous clay figurines and statues, believed to be associated with religious and fertility rituals. Burial practices varied, but generally included both individual and group burials, often with grave goods.

End of the Jōmon Period

The end of the Jōmon period is marked by the transition to the Yayoi period, which is characterized by the introduction of rice agriculture, brought from mainland Asia. This transition represents a significant shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agrarian society.

Legacy

The Jōmon period has left a lasting legacy in Japanese culture, evident in the continuation of certain pottery styles and techniques. It also provides significant insights into the prehistoric lifestyle and culture of the Japanese archipelago.