Fish-shaped Stone Object
Provenance unknown, Epi-Jomon period, 2nd-1st century BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
March 2, 2021 (Tue) - September 5, 2021 (Sun)
A variety of stone tools were used during this period, including single- and double-edged polished stone axes, as well as stone knives and harpoon heads for hunting and butchering sea mammals and other animals. There are also unique fish-shaped stones that were probably used as bait for fishing. Pottery continued to feature rich decorations. Additionally, cylindrical jewelry made out of jasper from Sado island, objects made out of seashells from Japan’s southern seas, and iron tools have also been excavated. These objects suggest interaction with the Yayoi culture on the mainland as well as cultures on the Asian continent via the island of Sakhalin to the north.
Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
Highlight | Spade, Whale bone | Excavated at Etomo-cho, Muroran-shi, Hokkaido | Epi-Jomon period, 2nd–1st century BC | J-21845 | |||
Highlight | Fish-shaped Stone Object | Provenance unknown | Epi-Jomon period, 2nd-1st century BC | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, K-28658 | |||
Highlight | Pendant, Fur-seal fang | Excavated at Yukawa Shell Mound, Hakodate-shi, Hokkaido | Epi-Jomon period, 2nd century BC-3rd century AD | Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, J-10728 |