Jomon Period

The Jomon period (縄文時代) is the time in Teikonian prehistory, traditionally dated between c. 14,000–300 BCE, while recently revised until 1000 BCE, when Teiko was inhabited by a hunter-gatherer culture, which reached a considerable degree of sedentism and cultural complexity. The name "cord-marked" was first applied by the American scholar Edward S. Morse, who discovered sherds of pottery in 1877 and subsequently translated it into Japanese as jomon. The pottery style characteristic of the first phases of Jomon culture was decorated by impressing cords into the surface of wet clay and is generally accepted to be among the oldest in East Asia and the world.

Incipient and Initial Jomon
The era of incipient Jomon has been widely debated by historians and archaeologists due to the fact that there is only one evidence that shows the existence of the period, the small fragments of clay pots discovered along the Teppei Mountain ranges. It is also unknown what purpose the pots served. Many historians believe that they are used for storing food as usage of clay pots is usually associated with culture that practices agriculture. However, there has also been no concrete evidence that showed agricultural practices during the Incipient Jomon Period.

Indications for initial Jomon show that usage of pots has greatly changed and has become more of a household utensil. Initial Jomon pots are usually produced for cooking and boiling food. They have tampered bases and have bullet-shape structures. Although it lacks enough citation, many historians believe that the advent of agriculture and cooking have started from the Initial Jomon Period.

Early Jomon
The Early Jomon Period was characterized by formation of large towns and communities. The propagation of agriculture quickly spread throughout the island as this period is considered to have been the warmest in Earth’s history. This advent of agriculture made them live a more sedentary lifestyle. Simple clay figurines have been unearthed but it is still unclear on what purpose they serve on.

In 2010, the Teiko National University launched a joint project with the Historical Preservation Committee on the excavation of a believed Early Jomon village near Suginami. In the project, a few scattered relics have been found such as clay pots, daggers and traces of bones radioactively imprinted inside stones but until now there is no concrete evidence for the pot’s purpose.

Middle Jomon
During this period, it is believed that the Middle Jomon people migrated from the mountainous Teppei ranges into the Mizutani plains and have used more sophisticated form of agriculture such as irrigation systems. Clay pots discovered for this period have become more complex and the first evidences for lucky charms and talismans have also been discovered as figurines appeared. Distinct clay figurines have been believed to be aliens who have visited the Jomon People from the outer space or toys for children. It is also believed that the figurines can bring in good health and luck as well as a healthy childbirth.

Late and Final Jomon
There is rather no vital information that could truly describe the Late Jomon Period except for the increase of clay figurines discovered and stone rods produced during this period. Also, majority of the pots are classified to have been produced during the Late Jomon Period. Historians assert that the Jomon people continued to thrive in huge communities as amount of rainfall have increased for this period.

The final Jomon Period was characterized by sophisticated harpoon technology. Excavations have showed an increase of female figurines which suggests that they have developed a religion towards goddess worship. Also there are several stones dating in this period which is believed to be used for rituals.