Jomon Pottery 繩文土器

These were made 5,000 years ago at villages built along the river I saw from the top of the mountain which I shared with you in the last post.

All of them were for daily use, not for ritual.

Jomon period has a long history from 10,000 years ago to 2,500 years ago. At the time 5,000 years ago, the temperature was warmer than ever. People could live easier with more foods and would afford to depict the spiritual world.

Most peculiar shapes of this time can be seen on an edge of the pot. I often think about their designs. Is that a whirlpool, flame or snake? Archaeologists have not discovered what they mean.

This would be portable.

Is this a god of wisdom or owl?

The left one attracted me very much.

Potteries following this type of design have not been excavated all over Japan except this area. The artisan made this pot with excellent skill.

These stone tools were used in this period. Tools at upper right are portable knives.