Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Mibiki Site etc. Artifacts: Earthenware Human Figure
- Display status
- Partial display
- Period
- Jomon Period (approx. 7,000 to 2,500 years ago)
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Mibiki-machi, Nakajima-machi Tagishi (Nanao City), Yonaizumi (Kanazawa City)
The Jomon people performed various magical rituals. One of the most well-known implements is the earthenware human figure. Many specimens have been found that emphasize the female figure or have been intentionally broken, so they are thought to be yorishiro (objects representative of people or spirits).
Currently, the oldest earthenware human figure in Ishikawa Prefecture is a flattened figure from the early Jomon Period (approximately 7,000 years ago), found at the Mibiki Site in Nanao City. Its height is approximately 6 cm, and the eyes and nose are not depicted.
The number of excavated items from the middle of the Jomon Period is slightly higher. The female earthenware human figure from the Tagishi Site in Nanao City is one example (Middle Jomon Period, approximately 4,500 years ago).
In the latter half of the period, the number of excavated items increases further. The earthenware human figure found at the Yonaizumi Site in Kanazawa City (approximately 21 cm in length) is decorated with sunken lines and dots, and its face is quite expressive.
These earthenware human figures are extremely important items for understanding the lifestyle customs and culture of the time, including clothing and tattoos.
Downloading, taking screenshots, conversion, reprinting, etc. of the content on this website, including the text and images, without prior consent are prohibited.
Opened in 1998 as an open facility for the excavation and organization of excavated artifacts and the publication of reports on buried cultural properties (archaeological sites) that convey the history and culture of Ishikawa prefecture, as well as to hold exhibitions and lectures that make use of the results. The exhibition rooms comprise sections organized by theme and era, where you can see and touch precious earthenware and stone tools discovered from archaeological sites throughout the prefecture. In 2001, they also opened the Ancient Experience Area, where you can enjoy learning about the lives and techniques of ancient people. Both adults and children can learn about local history in an accessible and easy manner, while deepening their interest and understanding of cultural properties.
18-1 Nakatomachi, Kanazawa, 920-1336 Google Maps
TEL 076-229-4477 E-mail daihyou@ishikawa-maibun.or.jp
