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The centre of their life-world: the archaeology of experience at the Middle Yayoi cemetery of Tateiwa-Hotta, Japan

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 August 2014

Koji Mizoguchi
Koji Mizoguchi*
Affiliation:
*Graduate School of Social and Cultural Studies, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi Ward, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan (Email: [email protected])
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Abstract

Social analysis of cemeteries has traditionally viewed them as static images of social organisation. In this study of the Middle Yayoi jar-burial cemetery of Tateiwa-Hotta, however, the dynamic interrelationship between competing groups and successive generations can be discerned. Two initial burials proved to be foundational acts, followed by over 40 further burials spread over a series of generations. Differences in grave orientation and grave goods signalled the separate identities of the adjacent hamlets that came to bury their lineage leaders in this prominent location. Competition between lineages is indicated by externally acquired grave goods, including prestigious bronze mirrors from the Han commandery of Lelang in Korea, and by the varying styles of burial jar that illustrate and symbolise connections or alliances with other communities.

Keywords

JapanKyushuYayoiLelangjar burialscemetery analysisbronze mirrorsstone reaping knives
Type
Research
Information
Antiquity , Volume 88 , Issue 341 , September 2014 , pp. 836 - 850
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd 2014

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