Daily Tools of the Jomon Period

Toggling Harpoon Head
Found at the Nakazawahama Shell Mound, Iwate, Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC (Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada)

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - September 6, 2026 (Sun)

From the Jomon period (ca. 11,000 BC–ca. 5th century BC) onward, means of obtaining food changed in accordance with changes in the natural environment resulting from a milder climate. The bow and arrow was invented, while tools such as fishhooks, fishing spears, and harpoon heads were created in quantity. Grinding slabs and grindstones as well as stone mortars and hammerstones were used to process nuts and other foods.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 5 results

	Designation	Name	Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
Highlight		Toggling Harpoon Head	Found at the Nakazawahama Shell Mound, Iwate	Jōmon period, 1000–400 BC	Gift of Mr. Tokugawa Yorisada, J-10636
Highlight		Fishhook	Found at the Hibiki Shell Mound, Miyagi	Jōmon period, 2000–400 BC	J-36716-1
Highlight		Arrowheads	Found in Nagawa Town, Nagano	Jōmon period, 7000–3000 BC	J-39497
Highlight		Drill	Found at the Azusawa Shell Mound, Tokyo	Jōmon period, 2000–400 BC	Gift of Mr. Tamura Toku, J-38853-C56-2
Highlight		Footed Grinding Slab	Found in Sai Village, Aomori	Jōmon period, 2000–1000 BC	J-39395

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