What does this earthenware pattern represent?

National Treasure Kaen-gata Doki ・ Sasayama Historical Artifact
The “Kaen-gata Doki” is definitely a piece of art that appears even in Japanese elementary school textbooks. This earthenware is a national treasure, and was excavated in Tokamachi City. Although a Jomon artifact, it is does not have a rope pattern, but instead a resplendent decorative one. This hints that it may have been primarily used for festivals.

So what does this pattern signify? Burning flames, fishes leaping out of the water, four-legged animals, and spiral and S-shaped crests have been said to convey “an endless cycle”, but this is not known for sure. At the very least it is certain that these represent the daily scenes of the Jomon people and the worldview of the time.

The shards of earthenware embedded in the mud walls are mined from the surroundings of KINARE. Go ahead and try touching them.

And here, the art poses a question to you.

What has not changed since life 15,000 years ago?

The Jomon era is a long period of Japanese history, lasting from about 15,000 years ago up till about 2000 years ago. Various earthenware from the Jomon period have been excavated from the grounds of Tokamachi City. It can be concluded that there were people inhabiting this area from over 15,000 years ago.

But what kind of lives were they living? There are sure to be aspects that are different from present times, and also aspects that have remained unchanged.

And what kinds of festivals were held 5000 years ago when the kaen-gata doki were used? Perhaps an art festival? The kaen-gata doki may just be the first ever artwork of this region.

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