Ancient Jomon of Japan

A 2004 overview of the Jomon period in Japan (circa 14,500–300 BC) within the context of recent complex hunter-gatherer studies.

Junko Habu (Author)

9780521772136, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 July 2004

350 pages, 79 b/w illus. 30 maps 15 tables
23.5 x 16.1 x 2.6 cm, 0.68 kg

'The book is comprehensive and covers all aspects of Jomon … Habu's survey not only informs the western reader thoroughly but also offers interesting analogies for comparisons between complex hunter-gatherer societies world-wide.' Journal of Comparative Human Biology

In this 2004 book, Junko Habu illustrates recent developments in the archaeology of the Jomon period (circa 14,500–300 BC) of Japan and presents new analyses. Unlike most prehistoric pottery using peoples, the Jomon people are thought to have been hunter-gatherers. Evidence of plant cultivation does exist, but none of the cultigens recovered from Jomon sites seems to have been used as a staple food resource. High site density, food storage, and long distance trade also characterize this Jomon period. Using ecological models of hunter-gatherer culture and behavior, Habu examines various aspects of Jamon culture including subsistence, settlement, rituals, crafts and trade, and presents a model of long-term change in hunter-gatherer cultural complexity. In this comprehensive analysis, Junko Habu helps to bridge the gap between largely Japanese discourse on this 10,000 year period of Japanese prehistory and the modern scientific debate on later hunter-gatherer societies. It will prove invaluable to students and researchers alike.

Part I. Overview: 1. Introduction
2. Background to the study: overview of the Jomon Period
Part II. Subsistence and Settlement: 3. Subsistence strategies
4. Settlement archaeology
Part III. Rituals, Crafts and Trade: 5. Mortuary and ceremonial practices
6. Crafts and exchange networks
Part IV. Discussion and Conclusion: 7. Discussion and conclusion.

Subject Areas: Prehistoric archaeology [HDDA], Archaeology by period / region [HDD]