What if the ground beneath our feet could talk? Today we are at the Tano Site. It is an archaeological site with traces of a Yayoi period settlement.
Let’s journey back in time. The Tano Site was discovered in 1965. Construction workers found a large amount of Yayoi pottery. They were building the Sonoda Water Distribution Station. This station was for industrial water. It served Amagasaki, Itami, and Nishinomiya. The discovery led to an archaeological excavation.
The excavation uncovered wooden and jar coffin tombs. Pit dwellings were also found. The discovery of wooden coffins was particularly interesting. Wood is easily rotten. The custom of wooden coffin burial in the Yayoi period was confirmed. This had only been speculated until then. Human bones were found in one of the wooden coffins.
The Tano Site is near the old Ina River channel. It is about 7 meters above sea level. It covers 115 meters from east to west. It extends more than 120 meters from north to south. Four circular pit dwellings from the middle Yayoi period were found. There were also countless small pits with pillar holes. It is thought that pillar buildings coexisted with pit dwellings.
Artifacts were recovered from the Tano Site. These include pottery and stone tools. Stone axes, bronze products, and iron products were found. Even the mold for casting a bronze sword was discovered.
Initially there was a plan to continue with the water distribution station. This would have destroyed the ruins. But a movement grew to preserve the site. It was decided to protect the Tano Site.
Since then, the Tano Site has been reconstructed. Raised-floor warehouses and dwellings were rebuilt. Burial mounds were recreated. The recovered artifacts are displayed at the Amagasaki City Tano Museum. The museum opened in 1970. It is located on the site. It is called Amagasaki shiritsu tanōshiryōkan in Japanese.
The Tano Site offers a glimpse into the Yayoi period. It provides valuable insights into the lives of people who lived here long ago. Take a moment to appreciate the history beneath your feet. The Tano Site is a testament to the importance of preserving our past.