Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Yokaichijikata Site Artifact: Iron Wood Scraper with Handle
- Display status
- On display
- Period
- Yayoi Period (approx. 200 BC)
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Doihara-machi, Hinode-machi, Komatsu-no-Mori (Komatsu City)
The Yokaichijikata Site is a very large settlement site from the Yayoi Period that is representative of the Hokuriku region, spread out across the area east of JR Komatsu Station (the estimated area of the site is over 180,000 square meters).
This iron wood scraper with handle was found at the location of a river that previously flowed toward the west (towards the sea), meandering gently through the village. Dating from the middle Yayoi Period (around 200 BC), this is the oldest iron wood scraper in East Asia that still retains its complete shape.
Its total length is 16.3 cm, and the iron wood scraper part (length 5.1cm), whose base was broken and shortened, is sandwiched inside a handle with a distinctive circular grip end (3.5 cm diameter). The handle is fixed around the iron with wound threading, on top of which tape-like cherry bark is wrapped.
This is an important discovery as it allows us to explore the specific methods of handle attachment and use of rare iron tools that were brought across the Sea of Japan from the Korean Peninsula before iron tool production began on the Japanese archipelago.
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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
