Yoshigo Shell Midden
The Yoshigo Shell Midden (吉胡貝塚, Yoshigo kaizuka) is an archaeological site containing a Jōmon period shell midden located in what is now part of the city of Tahara, Aichi on the Atsumi Peninsula in the Tōkai region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1951.[1]
吉胡貝塚 | |
 Yoshigo Shell Midden | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Yoshigo Shell Midden  Yoshigo Shell Midden (Japan) | |
| Location | Tahara, Aichi, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Tōkai region |
| Coordinates | 34°40′54″N 137°16′51″E |
| Altitude | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Type | shell midden |
| Area | 20,382 m2 |
| History | |
| Periods | Jōmon period |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | National Historic Site |
| Public access | Yes, on-site museum |
Overview
The Yoshigo Shell Midden dates from the late to final Jōmon period, in an alluvial area with an altitude of 6 meters above the current sea level, on a gentle slope facing Atsumi Bay. The midden is not very large, with an area of 4100 square meters, but is considered large for the region. It was found to contain a variety of shells, fish and animal bones and broken bone tools, and pottery shards. Of note was discovery of a large Jōmon period necropolis containing the intact remains of 341 individuals. The site was excavated from 1922-23 and contributed greatly to knowledge of Jōmon anthropology. The site is now preserved as an archaeological park with an associated Yoshigo Shell Mound Museum. It is located 20 minutes on foot from the Toyohashi Railway Mikawa Tahara Station.
References
- "吉胡貝塚" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- official site (in Japanese)
- Aichi prefecture official site