Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation

Animal remains and bone implements

At the Yokaichi Site, located in a low wetland with a high groundwater level, many tools made from animal bones (animal remains) and antlers, which are not commonly preserved at ordinary sites, were found alongside pottery and stone tools. The animal remains predominantly include wild boar and Japanese deer, as well as small to medium-sized animals such as dogs, raccoons, otters, and flying squirrels, along with marine animals like seals and whales. Notably, dogs from the Yayoi period (300 BC to 250 AD) were less common nationwide compared to the Jomon period (14,000 to 300 BC), where they were often buried with care as hunting dogs, making the excavations from the Yayoi period extremely valuable materials. Additionally, the numerous Japanese deer found at the site include fishing tools made from the hard, dense antlers, as well as partially processed antlers, showing sharp processing marks left by iron tools.

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