Hokkaido Library

Jomon Culture

Kitakogane Shell Midden: Whale-bone sword

Kitakogane Shell Midden: Whale-bone sword

This is a sword-shaped ritual tool made of the lower jawbone of a whale. It was excavated from the ashes, and is therefore considered to have become bent by fire. It was presumably thrown into the fire during rituals.

photo courtesy: Date City Board of Education

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