古文書にみられる八丈島の食生活に関する一考察―動物性食品について―

Abstract

It is reported that the islanders of Hachijo have had a longevity of life that dates back to ancient times. As a matter of fact, according to an ancient document from the modern ages, the people of Hachijo island tended to live on a kind of dumplings refrerred as Hengo.These dumplings were made a mixture of refined grains and Hengo. They were also known to collect and eat Ashitaba leaves which were found in the mountains and also in the fields. From the sea, they were able to catch fish and shellfish and they also collected seaweed.We have studied in great detail the different kinds of food types consumed by these people. This included extensive research into the various kinds of animal food they were known to eat.The following is a short summary of the findings of our research: It was noted that the animal foods they tended to eat were fish, shellfish, sea turtles and seals as well as various kinds of birds and so on. During times of great famine however, it was reported that they were known to also consume beef.