The Jomon Period, like many other prehistoric cultures, was known for its ceramics. The name itself was derived from the "cord markings" that characterized the ceramics of this time.
Jomon Eras
Because of its length and cultural diversity, the era is divided into several phases - Incipient Jomon, from 10,500-8,000 BCE, Earliest Jomon, from 8,000-5,000 BCE, Early Jomon, from 5,000-2,500 BCE, Middle Jomon, from 2,500- 1,500 BCE, Late Jomon, from 1,500-1,000 BCE, and Final Jomon, from 1,000-300 BCE. This led into the Yayoi period, lasting from 300 BC to 300 CE.
Incipient and Early JomonThe pottery produced in this era reflected the change from a Paleolithic to a Neolithic way of life. Cooking and storage containers, woven baskets, and stone tools were common. Considering of the length of this particular time, the artifacts became increasily detailed and complex, again pointing to a successful settled society.
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Middle JomonThe most dramatic difference can be found between early and middle Jomon. The clay vessels became very intricate and ornate before they were fired. Ornate pottery (kaen-doki) suggests practical as well as ceremonial use. Female figurines and shell mound burial sites suggest a rise in ritual practices.
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Late and Final JomonThe shift between the middle and late periods is marked by a dramatic decline in population. Because of this, a variety of regional differences in culture developed.
Aside from that, clay figurines called dogu are some of the most interesting remnants from the Jomon period. |
DoguThese clay figures are iconic in defining the Jomon period, and in fact, quite a few present day artists continue to be inspired by them (including Okabe Mineo, Shimaoka Tatsuzo, Bizen's "kiln god" Mori Togaku.
There were quite a few kinds, including a "heart shaped" figurine, a "horned owl type" figurine, the most well known "Shakoki-Dogu" figurines (on the right), and the "pregnant-woman type" figurine. The meaning of these figurines is unclear, however the general consensus is that they were for good health and used in fertility rituals for successful births. |
Yayoi Period
The Jomon Period was eventually replaced by the Yayoi period, which emphasized clean, more practical shapes. The "cord markings" that defined the Jomon period were done away with, as firing technology became more advanced. Written documents from the Yayoi have still not been found, leaving us in the dark about any ceremonial art that has been found.
A style of "sacred architecture" was also coming into play. With the continued rise of agriculture (becoming the dominant way of life during this time), the storehouses of rice were considered sacred. In those times, those who held the rice held the power, and an elevated house kept the rice from rotting on the ground.
This architecture is significant primarily because it didn't end with the period. The style continued to evolve into sacred houses throughout the centuries, long after better ways to store rice were found.
Metallurgy was also introduced during the Yayoi, and bronze and iron were used to make ritual implements. Bronze bells, or dotaku, were especially common (see left).
A style of "sacred architecture" was also coming into play. With the continued rise of agriculture (becoming the dominant way of life during this time), the storehouses of rice were considered sacred. In those times, those who held the rice held the power, and an elevated house kept the rice from rotting on the ground.
This architecture is significant primarily because it didn't end with the period. The style continued to evolve into sacred houses throughout the centuries, long after better ways to store rice were found.
Metallurgy was also introduced during the Yayoi, and bronze and iron were used to make ritual implements. Bronze bells, or dotaku, were especially common (see left).