Ever wonder what secrets lie beneath our feet? Right here, at the Tsukinoki Shell Mound, we’re standing on a page ripped from a very old history book. This isn’t just a pile of shells. It’s a window into the lives of the Jōmon people who lived here thousands of years ago.
The Tsukinoki Shell Mound is an archaeological site in Chiba. It is a designated National Historic Site of Japan since 1978. The protected area was expanded in 2002 and 2006. This mound tells us about a time when the coastline looked very different.
Imagine this area 4500 years ago. Sea levels were much higher. The temperature was warmer by a couple of degrees. The Miyakogawa River flowed through saltwater marshes. Here, the Jōmon people built their settlement. They left behind this horseshoe-shaped midden.
What is a midden? It’s basically an ancient garbage dump. But this dump is full of valuable information. It helps us understand the Jōmon people’s diet and habits. Shells, bones, and tools are all mixed in this heap.
The Tsukinoki Shell Mound is 1.2 to 1.5 meters thick. It forms a partial shell ring. The ring is 150 meters wide from east to west. It stretches 200 meters from north to south.
In 1951, a survey revealed the horseshoe shape opened northward. Later, in 1991, an excavation showed the opening faced east. This adjustment in understanding highlights how archaeological interpretations can change as new evidence is uncovered.
Archaeologists discovered the foundations of pit dwellings. These homes date back to the middle Jōmon period. The largest dwelling was oval. It measured 6.7 meters by 4.7 meters. It had been rebuilt at least twice. Think about the families that lived and rebuilt their homes here.
Many artifacts were found at the Tsukinoki Shell Mound. Polished stone axes were among the finds. Tools crafted from animal bones also surfaced. Abalone shell bracelets hinted at personal adornment. Earplug-shaped clay ornaments added to the picture of Jōmon life.
What did the Jōmon people eat? The shells tell part of the story. Hamaguri, asari, and kesago were common shellfish. Bones of birds, fish, and animals were also found. Surprisingly, even whale bones were present. However, the clams found here were unusually small.
All these excavated treasures are now at the Chiba City Kasori Kaizuka Museum. You can see the tools and ornaments with your own eyes. The museum is accessible by taking a Keisei bus from JR Chiba Station. Get off at the Hoshiguki bus stop.
The Tsukinoki Shell Mound offers us more than just artifacts. It provides a glimpse into how people adapted to their environment. They thrived in a world that was quite different from today. Their legacy remains in this mound of shells. It reminds us of their resourcefulness. It also shows their connection to the land and sea. The Tsukinoki Shell Mound is a testament to the enduring story of human life in Chiba.