Jomon period
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| Jomon period | |
|---|---|
| Name | Jomon period |
| Period | 14,000–300 BCE |
| Followed | Yayoi period |
| Region | Japan |
Jomon period. The Jomon period is a significant era in the history of Japan, marked by the presence of a hunter-gatherer society that existed from approximately 14,000 to 300 BCE, preceding the Yayoi period. This period is characterized by the development of distinct pottery styles, such as Jomon pottery, and the presence of various archaeological sites, including Sannai Maruyama and Oyu Stone Circles. The Jomon people had interactions with neighboring cultures, including the Ainu people and the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Introduction
The Jomon period is named after the Jomon pottery that was discovered in the Kanto region of Japan. This period is divided into several phases, including the Incipient Jomon period, Early Jomon period, Middle Jomon period, and Late Jomon period. The Jomon people lived in various parts of Japan, including Honshu, Kyushu, and Hokkaido, and had connections with other cultures, such as the Chinese civilization and the Korean Peninsula. The Jomon period is also associated with the development of Shinto and the presence of Shinto shrines, such as Ise Shrine and Kasuga-taisha.
Chronology
The chronology of the Jomon period is based on the analysis of radiocarbon dating and the study of stratigraphy at various archaeological sites, including Torihama and Fukui Cave. The period is typically divided into six phases, each characterized by distinct pottery styles and tool types, such as Jomon pottery and stone tools. The Jomon period is also associated with significant events, including the Holocene warming and the formation of the Japanese archipelago. The period came to an end with the arrival of Yayoi people from the Asian continent and the introduction of agriculture and metalworking.
Culture and Society
The Jomon people lived in small villages, such as Sannai Maruyama, and were organized into tribes with complex social hierarchies. They had a rich spiritual life, with a strong emphasis on Shinto and the worship of kami, such as Amaterasu and Susanoo. The Jomon people also had a deep connection with nature and the environment, as evident in their art and symbolism, including the use of animal motifs and geometric patterns. The Jomon period is also associated with the development of Japanese mythology, including the stories of Izanagi and Izanami.
Economy and Technology
The Jomon economy was based on hunting and gathering, with a focus on the collection of wild plants and the hunting of wild animals, such as deer and wild boar. The Jomon people also developed sophisticated fishing techniques, using fishing nets and hooks. The period is also characterized by the development of pottery and textiles, including the use of loom and spinning wheel. The Jomon people had trade connections with neighboring cultures, including the Ainu people and the Ryukyu Kingdom, and exchanged goods such as obsidian and shell beads.
Art and Symbolism
Jomon art is characterized by the use of geometric patterns and animal motifs, such as the dogu figurines and the Jomon pottery. The Jomon people also developed a unique symbolism, including the use of circles and spirals, which are found in various artifacts, such as pottery and jewelry. The Jomon period is also associated with the development of Japanese aesthetics, including the concept of wabi-sabi and the emphasis on natural materials. The Jomon people had a deep appreciation for nature and the environment, as evident in their art and symbolism.
Regional Variations
The Jomon period is characterized by significant regional variations, with different pottery styles and tool types found in various parts of Japan. The Kanto region is known for its Incipient Jomon period pottery, while the Kyushu region is characterized by its Late Jomon period pottery. The Hokkaido region is associated with the Ainu people and the development of a distinct Ainu culture. The Jomon period is also associated with the development of Japanese regional cultures, including the Kansai region and the Tohoku region. The regional variations of the Jomon period are reflected in the different archaeological sites, such as Sannai Maruyama and Oyu Stone Circles, and the various museums, including the Tokyo National Museum and the Kyoto National Museum.