Definition: Fukui Cave is a rockshelter located in Nagasaki Prefecture of the island of Kyushu, Japan. Discovered in the 1960s by Serizawa Chosuke and Kamaki Yoshima, Fukui Cave has three cultural layers, dated between 15,850 and 12,400 cal years before the present, and all are Incipient Period Jomon Tradition occupations.
The oldest layer at Fukui Cave, Level III (ca 15,800-14,200 BP), contains the oldest securely radiocarbon dated ceramics known of the Jomon culture. Artifacts within this level include the classic linear relief (or linear-applique) pottery, characterized by thin clay bands attached to the pot exterior. Also recovered were microblades and microcores.
Level II (15,350-14,050) contains nail-impressed pottery.
The oldest layer at Fukui Cave, Level III (ca 15,800-14,200 BP), contains the oldest securely radiocarbon dated ceramics known of the Jomon culture. Artifacts within this level include the classic linear relief (or linear-applique) pottery, characterized by thin clay bands attached to the pot exterior. Also recovered were microblades and microcores.
Level II (15,350-14,050) contains nail-impressed pottery.
Source
See the Jomon bibliography for more references to Jomon.
Habu, Junko. 2004. Ancient Jomon of Japan. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
