2025.04.09

The mystery of the view of the universe and the view of life and death hidden in the Jomon period

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What kind of view of the universe and life and death did people have during the Jomon period? The unique patterns and shapes found on pottery, ornaments, and stone tools are believed to reflect their religious beliefs and spiritual worldview. In particular, the spiral and circular patterns found on Jomon pottery, as well as the mysterious shapes of clay figurines, may contain a profound message that goes beyond mere decoration.

In addition, the evidence of burials and rituals excavated from the ruins seems to tell us how life and death were perceived, and how they envisioned the next world. However, its details are still shrouded in many mysteries and are a curious subject for us today.

In this article, we will explore the views of the universe and life and death of the mysterious Jomon period, and unravel the spiritual world of ancient people through the cultural heritage they left behind. We will approach the sky they looked at, the life and death they felt, and the abyss.

Article Contents

What is the Jomon period?
Approaching the Jomon people's view of the universe
Exploring the Jomon People's View of Life and Death
The influence of the view of the universe and the view of life and death on the present day

What is the Jomon period?

Chronological division and main characteristics of the Jomon period

The Jomon period is a prehistoric period that developed into the Japan archipelago from about 13,000 years ago to about 2,300 years ago. This period is mainly divided into six periods: the early period, the early period, the early period, the middle period, the late period, and the late period. The rope pattern that is characteristic of Jomon earthenware and its sophisticated design are not just everyday items, but also a symbol of culture and consciousness, and are thought to reflect the views of the people of the time on the universe and religion. In addition, in the Jomon period, pre-agricultural hunter-gatherer societies were the mainstay, and the emphasis was on sustainable living and coexistence with the environment.

Harmony between life and culture at the time and nature

The people of the Jomon period lived a life based on self-sufficiency and respected the rich nature. They made their living by hunting, fishing, and gathering nuts and plants, and seasonal activities had an impact on their overall lives. In addition, the wisdom of making the most of natural resources can be seen, such as the development of Jomon earthenware to preserve food and the making of accessories such as shell rings. In particular, the form of collective settlement called circular settlement strongly expresses a sense of community and harmony with nature. This way of life vividly illustrates the Jomon people's emphasis on coexistence with nature.

Archaeology tells the story of the life of the Jomon people

Archaeological results show that the people of the Jomon period lived a rich life with high technology and deep spirituality. Relics such as stone tools, earthenware, and clay figurines that are said to have been used for rituals show the high level of consciousness of the Jomon period. In addition, many ornaments such as shell rings have been found at the Tomei site 7,000 years ago, and recent research has pointed out that these may have a symbolic meaning related to the Jomon people's view of the universe and life and death more than just decoration. From these relics, we can decipher the lifestyle and spirituality based on the unique "Seven Cosmos" established by the people of that time in nature and culture.

Approaching the Jomon people's view of the universe

A deep reverence for nature and the universe

The people of the Jomon period built their lives in a deep relationship with nature. In doing so, they regarded the entire universe as a place of cycle and harmony of life, and it is thought that they always had a reverence for nature. This kind of consciousness suggests that they had a deep spiritual world, which is also called "the level of consciousness and the seven cosmos of the Jomon period."

They regarded sacredness in nature such as forests, mountains, rivers, and the sea, and spent their daily lives conscious of the order and harmony of the universe through their activities. This way of thinking provides valuable lessons for building a sustainable society that is still relevant today.

Jomon pottery and its cosmological meaning

Jomon pottery is considered a cultural and spiritual symbol with a meaning that goes beyond mere practicality due to its beautiful patterns and unique designs. Among them, it has been pointed out that swirls and knitting patterns may represent the order and permanence of the universe. These patterns have also been interpreted as images of the forms found in nature and the cycle of life.

In particular, the process of using materials from the natural world and baking them with the power of fire was indispensable for the production of earthenware. This act itself shows that the Jomon people had a cosmic perspective of fusing the forces of nature with the creative power of humans. Jomon pottery is not only used as a vessel, but it can also be said to be a valuable proof that it gave shape to the cosmological view and the level of consciousness that people had at that time.

Expression of the view of the universe using stone and wood

The Jomon people also used natural materials such as stone and wood to express their view of the universe. Specifically, stone sticks and wooden pillars are mentioned, which are thought to have played an important role in rituals and ceremonies. For example, in the remains of circular settlements found in the Tohoku region, traces of huge wooden pillars may have been found, which may have had a significance symbolizing the center of the universe.

The stone rod has also been interpreted as representing masculinity and vitality, and its shape and arrangement reflect the order of the natural world and the structure of the universe. These are not just tools, but elements that show the Jomon people's deep understanding of the spiritual world and the universe.

Many of these expressions using natural materials are valuable clues that suggest how we living in the modern world should think about harmony with the environment.

Exploring the Jomon People's View of Life and Death

Rituals and symbols of life and death

In the Jomon period, rituals and rituals played an important role in symbolically embodying the view of life and death. At the time of burial, certain utensils and ornaments were often placed as funerary goods, which is believed to have prayed for the process of the transition of the soul of the deceased to a new world. In addition, artifacts such as stone sticks and clay figurines found around the burial site may have served as symbols to pray for the rebirth and prosperity of the dead. These rituals reflected the consciousness of the Jomon people, who emphasized the harmony between the universe and life, as symbolized by the "Seven Cosmos."

Information from the burial remains found

The discovery of burial remains plays an important role as a clue to the burial habits and background of the Jomon people. For example, a burial site located near a cylindrical earthen pit tomb or a stone circle suggests that it was the central ceremonial space of the settlement. Some burials are accompanied by accessories made of seashells and stone utensils as burial goods, suggesting that the individuality of the deceased and their role during their lifetime were emphasized. In addition, advances in DNA analysis technology are elucidating the family structure and genetic connections of the time, providing a new perspective that shows the unity of the Jomon people with nature and the universe.

The idea of rebirth and eternal cycle

It is thought that the Jomon people's view of life and death is strongly engraved with the ideas of "rebirth" and "eternal cycle". They saw death not as a mere end, but as the beginning of a new life, and valued a sense of unity with the cycles of nature. This idea is also evident in the evidence of the construction of stone circles in settlements and the rituals performed in them, as well as in the spiral and circular ornaments found in many archaeological sites. In addition, the idea that an individual soul returns to the universe and is reborn as a new life upon death can be said to be a glimpse of a profound view of the universe based on the level of consciousness of the Jomon period.

The influence of the view of the universe and the view of life and death on the present day

Sustainable Society and Coexistence with Nature

If we focus on the level of consciousness and the seven cosmos of the Jomon period, we can see that they realized a life based on harmony with nature. This idea provides useful hints to the environmental problems facing modern society. In order to build a sustainable society, it is important to respect and coexist with nature as part of the ecosystem, rather than seeing nature as a mere resource like the Jomon people.

For example, the "Jomon Shellfish Accessory Making" event held at the Tomei Jomon Museum in 2023 was an opportunity for modern children to experience making things using natural materials and reaffirmed their connection to nature. Through these activities, we can pass on the spirit of coexistence with nature to the next generation. It can be said that the ideas of the Jomon period show a concrete path toward the realization of a sustainable society.

Hints for the modern age shown by Jomon thinking

The Jomon people had a deep reverence for the splendor and greatness of nature, and reflected this in their daily and ritual utensils such as earthenware, stone sticks, and wooden products. This kind of "Jomon thinking" is an opportunity to reconsider anthropocentrism even in modern times. For example, the movement to promote sustainable development and ethical consumption is common to the wisdom and values of the Jomon people.

The idea of regeneration and recycling in Jomon culture is also connected to the current concepts of recycling and a circular economy. It can be said that this philosophy can contribute to the search for a more sustainable lifestyle by curbing the cycle of mass consumption and disposal in modern society. The flexible and nature-oriented way of thinking presented by the Jomon period will provide a new perspective for modern people.

The influence of the Jomon on contemporary art and thought

The symbolic artworks and earthenware patterns of the Jomon period continue to have an impact on contemporary art and design. The "view of the universe" that dwells in its spiral and geometric patterns has provided inspiration to contemporary artists and thinkers. In particular, the simple yet profound design is also relevant to works with themes of minimalism and sustainability.

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