Jomon Culture – A Message from 15,000 Years Ago

Summary

The ancient Jomon civilization of Japan, dating back 15,000 years, is explored through ongoing excavations at the San'nai Maruyama site in Hokkaido. This culture, harmonious with nature, did not practice agriculture or animal breeding, offering a unique perspective on sustainable living. The site reveals a society that valued spiritual life and community care, as evidenced by the remains of a severely disfigured adult who was cared for by his community. Jomon pottery, with its nature-inspired designs, has inspired modern artists like Okamoto Taro and All Mori Jumpei, reflecting a deep connection to the life force of this ancient culture.

Takeaways

• 🏰 The civilization of ancient Japan, known as the Jomon period, began around 15,000 years ago and lasted for approximately 10,000 years.
• 🔍 Ongoing excavations at the San die mariama site, one of the largest Jomon period settlements, are revealing insights into the lives of the ancient people.
• 🌐 The site's significance is recognized globally, being inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2021, and is considered extremely important from a global perspective.
• 🌾 The Jomon culture did not involve agriculture or animal breeding, indicating a lifestyle in harmony with nature without major environmental alterations.
• 🍲 Archaeological findings suggest that the Jomon people practiced sustainable harvesting, preserving resources for future generations.
• 🙏 Evidence of a highly spiritual society is found in the remains, with no indication of inter-tribal warfare and small hunting weapons.
• 🤕 A severely disfigured adult skeleton found at the site indicates a society that cared for its vulnerable members, challenging the notion of 'survival of the fittest'.
• 🎨 The Jomon culture is famous for its pottery, with nature-based decorations and rope-like patterns being particularly prevalent.
• 👨‍🎨 Renowned artist Okamoto Taro was inspired by Jomon pottery, creating his masterpiece 'The Tower of the Sun', reflecting the life force of ancient Japan.
• 🌀 Artist Omori Jumpei, inspired by Jomon pottery, uses spiral decorations to express a tension different from modern sensibilities, sensing a special spirit in the art.
• 🔗 Omori, after recovering from a serious illness, connects with the life force in Jomon pottery, breathing new life into fragmented earthenware pots by joining them together.

Q & A

How long ago did the civilization of ancient Japan begin according to the script?

The civilization of ancient Japan began about 15,000 years ago.

What is the significance of the site of the Jomon period settlements in terms of ongoing excavations?

The ongoing excavations at the site of the Jomon period settlements reveal more about the lives of the ancient people, providing insights into their culture and way of life.

How many Jomon prehistoric sites have been found in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku?

A total of 17 Jomon prehistoric sites have been found in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku.

Why was the San'nai Maruyama site inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2021?

The San'nai Maruyama site was inscribed on the World Heritage list in 2021 due to its global significance as an extremely important site for understanding a culture that did not involve agriculture or animal breeding.

What does the script suggest about the Jomon people's relationship with their environment?

The script suggests that the Jomon people lived in harmony with nature, as they did not engage in agriculture or animal breeding, which are activities that require significant environmental changes.

What evidence from the site indicates the Jomon people's approach to resource preservation?

The excavation of a wide variety of foodstuffs suggests that the Jomon people limited their harvesting from the sea and forests to preserve resources for the next generation.

What does the script imply about the spiritual aspect of Jomon society?

The script implies that Jomon society was highly spiritual, with many remains indicating spiritual practices, but no evidence of inter-tribal warfare.

How did the Jomon people demonstrate care for individuals with severe disabilities?

The script mentions the skeleton of a man with severe disabilities in all four limbs who grew to adult size, indicating that he was cared for by others throughout his life.

What is the Jomon culture known for in terms of art and craftsmanship?

The Jomon culture is known for its pottery, with decorations based on nature, particularly rope-like patterns.

How did the artist Okamoto Taro find inspiration in Jomon pottery?

Okamoto Taro found inspiration in the robust and energetic expression of ancient Japan in Jomon pottery, which he felt could sense their life force.

What is the connection between Jomon pottery and the artwork of All Mori Jumpei?

All Mori Jumpei is an artist inspired by Jomon pottery, and his works, which feature spiral decorations and a strong sense of tension, have been exhibited internationally.

How does the artist Omori view the legacy of Jomon pottery in relation to modern sensibilities?

Omori believes that there is a special spirit living on in Jomon pottery, which is completely different from modern sensibilities, and he attempts to transform the ancient practices into something relevant to the present.