Kyushu, Part 1 - Yoshinogari site
Last year, November, I attended the Japan Society of Physical Anthropology annual conference in Nagasaki, Kyushu. This year, it will be held in Yokohama, also during November. I have not posted about my Kyushu trip, this was my first Kyushu trip. The second time, I went to Mt Aso and Kumamoto which I had already posted earlier.
After the conference, we extended our stay in Nagasaki and went exploring other parts of Kyushu. This post will be about our trip to Saga prefecture to see the famous Yoshinogari site, which is an important archeological site in Japan.
The castle fence surrounding the Northern Inner Enclosure.
In 1989, a large Yayoi period moat-enclosed settlement and burial mound was completely excavated at the Yoshinogari site. This place was designated as a Special National Historic Site in 1991. Excavation of the site yielded many important archeological artifacts and structures that were important towards understanding the history of Japan during this period. Restoration and reconstruction of the site's structures are still being carried out till today. The buildings you see in the pictures are all restored and reconstructed models based on the structures excavated at the sites.
This site is also famous because it has similarities to the Yamatai Kingdom ruled by Queen Himiko described in the Chinese chronical Wei Zhi or also known as the Chronicles of the Three Kingdom, which is one of the first few places in Japan mentioned in written history. However, this piece of history is still being debated, with another burial site in Nara, claiming to be the resting place of Queen Himiko.
The large "shrine" or palace in the Northern Inner Enclosure.
One of the important structures of this site is the Northern Inner Enclosure, thought to be a place of utmost importance. It is surrounded by two moats, castle fence and watchtowers. There was only one entrance to this site. Within the enclosure lies a large structure thought to be a shrine or palace, where the ruling family lives. There were also elevated storehouses or granary structures. Yayoi period is marked by the cultivation of paddy fields and also with the birth of agriculture, warfare was common.
Burial mound
This a large burial mound, with about 14 burial jars excavated from this site. It is believed that this is a burial site for important people or people with leadership roles in the community. About over 2000 burial jars had been found at other burial sites.
Burial jars
Skeletal remains were found preserved in burial jars and some were without skulls and were pierced with arrows, leading to the assumption that these individuals were killed in battle.
The Southern Inner Enclosure
This is the largest inner enclosure, with moats and watchtowers surrounding the place. It consists mainly of pit dwellings, probably a residential area.
Shell bracelets
Bracelets made of shells were found. These shells were found only in the Amami Islands and further south which indicates trade and interaction.
Fishing equipment
Fishing tools used during Yayoi period.
My friend, Shiori's hand as a model for this wood and string weaving. No idea what it is for actually!
My friends trying out their skills with the bow and arrow.
Basak holding on to the tail of a straw pig model which we found along our way to the Southern Inner Enclosure. They were so cute!
After the conference, we extended our stay in Nagasaki and went exploring other parts of Kyushu. This post will be about our trip to Saga prefecture to see the famous Yoshinogari site, which is an important archeological site in Japan.
The castle fence surrounding the Northern Inner Enclosure.
In 1989, a large Yayoi period moat-enclosed settlement and burial mound was completely excavated at the Yoshinogari site. This place was designated as a Special National Historic Site in 1991. Excavation of the site yielded many important archeological artifacts and structures that were important towards understanding the history of Japan during this period. Restoration and reconstruction of the site's structures are still being carried out till today. The buildings you see in the pictures are all restored and reconstructed models based on the structures excavated at the sites.
This site is also famous because it has similarities to the Yamatai Kingdom ruled by Queen Himiko described in the Chinese chronical Wei Zhi or also known as the Chronicles of the Three Kingdom, which is one of the first few places in Japan mentioned in written history. However, this piece of history is still being debated, with another burial site in Nara, claiming to be the resting place of Queen Himiko.
The large "shrine" or palace in the Northern Inner Enclosure.
One of the important structures of this site is the Northern Inner Enclosure, thought to be a place of utmost importance. It is surrounded by two moats, castle fence and watchtowers. There was only one entrance to this site. Within the enclosure lies a large structure thought to be a shrine or palace, where the ruling family lives. There were also elevated storehouses or granary structures. Yayoi period is marked by the cultivation of paddy fields and also with the birth of agriculture, warfare was common.
Burial mound
This a large burial mound, with about 14 burial jars excavated from this site. It is believed that this is a burial site for important people or people with leadership roles in the community. About over 2000 burial jars had been found at other burial sites.
Burial jars
Skeletal remains were found preserved in burial jars and some were without skulls and were pierced with arrows, leading to the assumption that these individuals were killed in battle.
The Southern Inner Enclosure
This is the largest inner enclosure, with moats and watchtowers surrounding the place. It consists mainly of pit dwellings, probably a residential area.
Shell bracelets
Bracelets made of shells were found. These shells were found only in the Amami Islands and further south which indicates trade and interaction.
Fishing equipment
Fishing tools used during Yayoi period.
My friend, Shiori's hand as a model for this wood and string weaving. No idea what it is for actually!
My friends trying out their skills with the bow and arrow.
Basak holding on to the tail of a straw pig model which we found along our way to the Southern Inner Enclosure. They were so cute!
posted by AL LEE at 9:58 PM
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