Kusaka Shell Mound, Archaeological midden in Higashiōsaka, Japan.
Kusaka Shell Mound is an archaeological site in Higashiōsaka containing layers of shells, bones, and pottery fragments. These deposits form a substantial archive offering insights into the lives of prehistoric coastal communities.
The site dates back to the Jōmon period roughly 14,000 to 300 years ago. The deposits reveal that coastal communities settled here over extended time and adapted their way of life to local resources.
The excavated objects show how early inhabitants lived and worked in this place. You can see traces of their daily activities like fishing and food gathering reflected in the discovered items.
The site is accessible by public transport in Higashiōsaka and features an exhibition displaying findings from excavations. Visitors should check beforehand which areas are open and whether guided tours are available.
Among the discovered objects are fish hooks made from animal bone, revealing that inhabitants developed specialized skills for resource use. These tools suggest that sea fishing was an important and deliberate activity in their daily lives.
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