Takasago Shell Mounds (Iriue-Takasago Shell Mounds)

Overview

The Takasago Shell Mounds (Iriue-Takasago Shell Mounds) are Jomon-era archaeological sites located in Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, and are registered as part of the World Heritage site, "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Honshu, Japan". Situated on a plateau overlooking Uchiura Bay, at an elevation of 10 to 20 meters, they consist of two shell mounds: the Iriue Shell Mound and the Takasago Shell Mound. These shell mounds are valuable evidence of the life of the people who lived in this area from the late Jomon period early to middle late period, showing how they formed settlements and utilized the abundant natural resources. The mounds have yielded a variety of artifacts that offer glimpses into the lifestyle of the time, including shellfish, marine mammal and fish bones, stone tools, and pottery. In particular, 15 individuals' skeletal remains dating from the late Jomon period early to early late period have been excavated from the Iriue Shell Mound, providing insights into the height, age, and health conditions of the people. Furthermore, 28 pit graves from the early to middle late periods have been discovered in the Takasago Shell Mound, providing clues about burial practices and beliefs about death. Moreover, artifacts indicative of exchange with other regions have been unearthed from the Takasago Shell Mounds, including boar tusk products (unavailable in Hokkaido) and large turban shell (Oo-tsutanohagai) rings. These artifacts are valuable evidence that the Jomon people engaged in trade with distant regions, exchanging culture and technology. The Takasago Shell Mounds (Iriue-Takasago Shell Mounds) are essential for understanding Jomon life and culture. Why not visit these sites and imagine the lives and culture of the people of that era, pondering the history of the distant past?