Le Paléolithique supérieur de la région centre de l’île de Honshû

Abstract

Tokai area is situated in the middle of Japan and has various configurations of ground. The eastern area has thick natural layers with volcanic ash which has been supplied from Mt. Fuji. About five chronological stages of Paleolithic culture from trapeze and edge-ground axe culture to microlith culture through backed blade culture have been found in the layers. These stages of Paleolithic culture are indicators of chronological studies in Tokai area. On the other hand, it is difficult to advance chronological studies in the middle east, middle, and west areas, because they have little thickness of layers with volcanic ash. However, different Paleolithic artifacts are found in top and bottom layers which put the AT layer between at Tsubakibora Site in Gifu Prefecture, and they have helped very much chronological studies of Paleolithic culture in the west area. Here is the first result of Paleolithic studies in Tokai area with artifacts which have been found on the forth layer of scoriae at Idemaruyama Site are dated about 35,000 years, one of the oldest Paleolithic culture in Japan. In addition, some lines of pits which were dated 30,000 years were found at Hatsunegahara Site, and they provided valuable data to study Paleolithic hunting. Finally, a holed pendant which had 10 notches on one side was unearthed from Fujiishi Site, and it was dated 19,000 years ago. At Terada and Hino Site, a flat big stone which had carvings was found, though the shape and use were seemed to be different from the pendant at Fujiishi Site.