Lifeways of Prehistoric Hunter-Gathers in Japan
Junko Habu, Professor
Anthropology
Applications for Fall 2024 are closed for this project.
At our East Asian Archaeology Laboratory, we are analyzing artifacts and faunal/floral remains excavated from Jomon period sites in Japan. Jomon is the name of a prehistoric hunter-gatherer culture in Japan, which lasted from approximately 13000 to 2300 years ago. Unlike many other hunter-gatherer cultures, the Jomon culture is characterized by the production of pottery. It is also characterized by large settlements, various kinds of ceremonial features, and long-distance trade. Since the Jomon culture shares a number of characteristics with so-called "complex" hunter-gatherer cultures in various parts of the world (such as the cultures of native people in California and the Northwest Coast of North America), studies of the lifeways of the Jomon people have been attracting attentions of researchers in the broader field of hunter-gatherer archaeology.
Research apprentices will have an opportunity to receive hands-on training in the laboratory methods of pottery analysis, identification and quantification of faunal and floral remains (mainly fish bones and plant seeds), and map drafting.
Role: Laboratory work, with a focus on artifact cataloging, producing ink-rubbings and profiling, photoshop an illustrator works, and site database compilation using GIS.
Qualifications: A basic knowledge of archaeology or East Asian prehistory (such as Anthropology 2, 125A, 125B, or 132) is preferable, but it is not a requirement. Students who are interested in East Asian cultures are also encouraged to apply. Research apprentices are expected to be well organized and punctual, and come to the lab on a regular schedule.
Hours: to be negotiated
Social Sciences