Motonobaru Site, Archaeological site in Tano, Miyazaki, Japan
Motonobaru is an archaeological site featuring over 100 pit dwellings arranged on a plateau at roughly 180 meters elevation. The structures form a recognizable settlement pattern that shows how communities organized their living space.
The site dates to the Jomon period and received designation as a National Historic Site in 2004. This recognition brought greater attention to one of Japan's earliest settlement forms.
The site reveals how early communities arranged their living spaces and daily activities in a shared settlement. The layout shows how residents organized their homes and work areas in relation to each other.
The site sits on elevated terrain, so visitors should expect uneven ground and slopes as they explore. Clear weather is ideal for viewing the excavated areas and understanding the settlement's layout.
Excavations uncovered substantial quantities of pottery fragments, offering insight into the craftsmanship and daily activities of residents. Preserved plant and animal remains provide clues about the environment and food sources available to the community.
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