Tsukumo Shell Mound

Japanese: 津雲貝塚 - つくもかいづか

<br /> A shell mound site in Nishi-Oshima, Kasaoka City, Okayama Prefecture. It is located on a south-facing slope near the Mizushima Sea, and measures approximately 60m north to south and 40m east to west. It is said that the sea extended into this area of Kasaoka City during the Jomon period. Human bones were discovered during embankment construction in 1870 (Meiji 3), and several excavation surveys were conducted from 1915 (Taisho 4). Relics from various periods, including late Jomon period type pottery, were excavated, and the discovery of approximately 170 human bones from the late Jomon and final periods attracted particular attention. Most of the bones were buried in a flexed position with both arms and legs bent. The heads of the bones face from the northeast to the southeast, where the sun rises, suggesting a certain pattern. It was also discovered that there was a custom of tooth extraction. Some of the bones are accompanied by various accessories such as shell rings, earrings, and waist ornaments. Late period pottery used to bury infants was also excavated. Many of the excavated items were fishhooks and stone sinkers , indicating that fishing activities, mainly carried out by men, were also active here. As a representative shell mound from the late Jomon period in the Setouchi region, it was designated a national historic site in 1968 (Showa 43). Some of the excavated items can be seen at Kasaoka City Local History Museum. Take the Ikasa bus from JR Sanyo Main Line Kasaoka Station, get off at "Oshima Shogakko-mae" stop, and walk for about 5 minutes.

Source: Kodansha National Historic Site Guide Information

Japanese:

岡山県笠岡市西大島にある貝塚遺跡。水島灘に近い南面する傾斜地にあり、範囲は南北約60m、東西約40m。縄文時代には笠岡市のこの辺りにまで海が入り込んでいたとされる。1870年（明治3）に堤防の工事中に人骨が発見され、1915年（大正4）から数次の発掘調査が行われた。縄文時代後期の標式土器など各期の遺物が出土し、なかでも注目を集めたのが約170体の縄文後・晩期の人骨の発見である。埋葬姿勢はほとんどが両手足を曲げた屈葬であった。人骨の頭は太陽が昇る北東から東南に向き、一定の規則性がうかがえる。また抜歯などの習俗があったこともわかった。貝輪や耳飾り、腰飾りなど各種の装身具をともなうものもみられる。乳児を埋葬した晩期の土器も発掘された。出土品には釣り針や石錘(せきすい)も多く、男性を主体とした漁労活動も盛んであったことがわかる。瀬戸内地方の代表的な縄文時代後期の貝塚として、1968年（昭和43）に国の史跡に指定された。出土品の一部は笠岡市立郷土館で見ることができる。JR山陽本線笠岡駅から井笠バス「大島小学校前」下車、徒歩約5分。

出典　講談社国指定史跡ガイドについて　情報

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