Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation
Sugitani-chanobatake Site Artifact: Chimaki-shaped Block of Carbonized Rice
- Display status
- No permanent display
- Period
- Yayoi Period (Approx. 100 BC)
- Form/Type
- Archaeological material
- Location
- Sugitani (Nakanoto-machi, Kashima-gun)
The Sugitani-chanobatake Site is located in the Bijo mountain range, 70 to 110 meters above sea level. It was originally a highland settlement surrounded by a ring moat during the late Yayoi Period.
A perfectly formed block of carbonized rice was found next to the wall of a pit building from the latter half of the Yayoi Period. This lump of carbonized rice has a planar shape similar to an isosceles triangle, with the base measuring approximately 5 cm, the other two sides approximately 8.5 cm and 8 cm, and a thickness of approximately 3.5 cm.
Analysis of the rice grains revealed that it was a paddy rice variety resembling Japanese short grain / very small grain rice, it was late-growing glutinous rice, and that it was probably steamed. This cooking method is similar to modern chimaki (steamed rice cakes wrapped in bamboo leaves). Also, judging from the excavation conditions, it is possible that the items may have fallen down from inside the building or from eaves outside the building.
This block of carbonized rice is thought to have been made as an everyday preserved food, a portable food, or as an offering to spirits such as shinsen and gion-chimaki, which still exist in beliefs today, or to ward off evil spirits.
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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
