Location Ishikawa Archaeological Foundation

Sendai / Nomi Site Excavated Item: Decorative Wood Product

The Sendai / Nomi Site is located on an alluvial plain to the east of the Komatsu urban area, at a slightly elevated position on a natural embankment formed by the Kakehashi River, which flows to the south of the site, and its tributary the Nabetani River.
It is a large settlement that mainly dates from the late Yayoi Period to the early Kofun Period, and a group of facilities that are thought to be chief residences from around the early Kofun Period have been confirmed. Large quantities of various wooden products have been excavated at the river site, including agricultural tools, containers, weapons and armor (spear sheaths and shields), seats, fire starting mortars and boat parts. In addition to this, decorative wooden products and bird- and boat-shaped objects used for festivals and ceremonies have also been found.
The decorative wood product has a semicircular shape with both ends missing, and measures 13.15 cm in length, 6.05 cm in width, and 2.3 cm in thickness. Unfortunately, the original shape or the situation in which it was used are unknown, however the pattern engraved on its surface is a complex combination of straight lines and arc-shaped patterns. As such, it attracts attention as a pattern with transitional elements from kotaimon patterning, the predecessor of chokkomon patterning.

Downloading, taking screenshots, conversion, reprinting, etc. of the content on this website, including the text and images, without prior consent are prohibited.