Tochibaraiwakage ruins

Tochibaraiwakage ruins (栃原岩陰遺跡, Tochibaraiwakage iseki) is an archaeological site consisting of a cave dwelling in use during the Jōmon period, located in what is now part of the village of Kitaaiki, Nagano in the Chūbu region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1987.[1]

Tochibaraiwakage Ruins

栃原岩陰遺跡
Tochiharaiwakage Tochibaraiwakage ruins (Japan)
Location	Kitaaiki, Nagano, Japan
Region	Chūbu region
Coordinates	36°3′43.2″N 138°30′53.2″E
Type	grave
History
Periods	Jōmon period
Site notes
Ownership	National Historic Site
Public access	None

Overview

The site is a rock shelter discovered in 1965, which was found to contain more than 10 early Jōmon period human remains. Earthenware, stoneware, bone horn vessels, and many bones from food (mammals, reptiles,, freshwater fish) were also been excavated, as well as preserved fragments of clothing. The site provided a great deal of materials for research in the early Jōmon period, and noteworthy was the sophistication of bone fish hooks and sewing needles indicating an unexpectedly high level of technology.

Some of the artifacts uncovered are on display at the Kitaaiki Village Archaeological Museum.

See also

• List of Historic Sites of Japan (Nagano)

References

1. "Database of National Cultural Properties" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.

External links

• Kitaaiki Village Archaeological Museum (in Japanese)