Typified by dogû (clay figurines) and rope-patterned pottery (doki);
people lived
in pit dwellings and survived by hunting and fishing.
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Jômon-Yayoi-
Kofun Eras
Japanese Civilization
Guide to Lecture—August 30, 2002
Fall 2002
Ainu a group of people believed to be indigenous to northern Japan. Racially distinct from the Japanese, these people are of Caucasoid stock (displaying lighter skin, larger build, more prominent facial bones, and more body hair.) Some 24,000 remain today after centuries of suppression and forced assimilation.
Jômon culture lasted until 200-300 BCE
in pit dwellings and survived by hunting and fishing.
Yayoi culture followed Jômon and lasted until 250 CE
pit dwellings replaced by rice storehouses
pottery is wheel-thrown and fired—technically more sophisticated than Jômon
doki metal objects now prevalent: bells (dôtaku—used for ceremonial purposes
only); swords, bronze mirrors, etc.
The History of the Kingdom of Wei, 297 C.E. The first official Chinese history to refer to Japan (aka the Land of Wa.)
History of the Latter Han Dynasty 445 C. E. The next reference to Japan in the Official Chinese Histories is two centuries later. Yamadai (Yamatai) is mentioned. But no clear indication is given to its location.
Uji - upper class clans. Had surnames. Worshipped a tutelary deity unique to the clan.
Be farmers and artisans:Hatoribe (weaver); Suebe (Potter) Kataribe (Reciter)
Yatsuko slaves
By the third century CE there were three strongholds where uji formed distinct alliances: Northern Kyushu, Izumo, and Yamato (Ise).
Shaman queen Pimiko (or Himiko) See reference to her in the Official Chinese Histories (notably in The Sources of Japanese Tradition, pp.7-8, 9.)
Kofun (Tomb) Period followed Yayoi and lasted until 552 CE
Emperor Nintoku’s tomb in Osaka region. Built in the 4th century.
1,620 feet in length; 90 feet high; surrounded by moat.
Chambers inside tombs were made of clay or stone and contain burial objects
such as jewels, mirrors, swords, weapons, etc.
Tombs are surrounded by haniwa or clay figurines. Haniwa represent humans in
various activities, or animals (monkeys, birds, horses), or boats, houses, etc.