Iriue Shell Mound

Overview

The Iriue Shell Mound is a Jomon period archaeological site located in Toyako-cho, Hokkaido, and is one of the 17 sites that make up the World Heritage site, "Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Hokkaido and Northern Tohoku." Dating back approximately 4,000 years, the site includes a residential area and a burial ground. Excavations of the shell mound have unearthed shellfish such as clams and herring, as well as bones from deer and dolphins, offering insights into the daily life and diet of the people of that time. Key features of the Iriue Shell Mound are the presence of a communal burial ground and the discovery of the skeletal remains of an adult male suffering from muscular dystrophy. The communal burial ground highlights the communal mourning practices and spiritual connections of the people. The skeletal remains of the adult male with muscular dystrophy provide invaluable information about the medical technology and social structure of the time. The remains suggest that he received long-term care from the community, demonstrating the compassion and mutual support that existed within Jomon society. Visiting the Iriue Shell Mound allows you to imagine the lives of the Jomon people approximately 4,000 years ago and to experience their wisdom and culture. Seeing the actual remains of dwellings and burial grounds will spark your imagination and provide a tangible sense of the Jomon people's ability to coexist with nature and build a rich culture. Furthermore, the Iriue-Takasago Shell Mounds Museum displays artifacts and materials excavated from the Iriue Shell Mound, providing a deeper understanding of their daily lives.