Idojiri ruins
Idojiri ruins (井戸尻遺跡, Idojiri-iseki) is an archaeological site containing the ruins of a mid-Jōmon period (approximately 2500–1500 BCE) settlement located in what is now part of the town of Fujimi, Nagano in the Chūbu region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1967.[1]
井戸尻遺跡 | |
 Idojiri ruins | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Idojiri Ruins  Idojiri ruins (Japan) | |
| Location | Fujimi, Nagano, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Chūbu region |
| Coordinates | 35°52′40″N 138°16′44″E |
| Type | settlement |
| History | |
| Periods | Jōmon period |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | National Historic Site |
| Public access | yes |
Overview
The site is located at the southeastern foot of Mount Yatsugatake at an altitude of 800 to 1000 meters, with abundant spring water, which drains on a gentle slope towards the Fuji River. Over 50 mid-Jōmon period ruins are located in the foot of the Yatsugatake mountain area near the center of Nagano prefecture because of abundant spring water.
The Idojiri site was excavated in 1958, and was found to contain the foundations for over 200 pit dwellings along with numerous pottery shards and stone tools. Artifacts uncovered at the site include 10 concave stones, 54 stone axes and stone dishes, which are believed to have been used for cooking and for processing of nuts and acorns. The site also contained many pottery shards, as well as twelve complete pottery containers with a distinctive design of abstract patterns, people, and the heads of animals. Nine of these pots were large, deep containers suitable for use as storage containers. The others appear to have been used for boiling food.
Some of the artifacts discovered at this site are displayed at the Fujimi Archaeological Museum at site. One of the pots discovered at this site was the subject of a 1972 postage stamp issued by the Japanese government. The site is open to the public as an archaeological park, with some faux restored pit dwellings. The site is approximately 15 minutes on foot from Shinano-Sakai Station.
References
- "井戸尻遺跡" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- Fujimi town official site (in Japanese)
- Idojiri Archaeological Museum