[Hida City, Gifu Prefecture] A Feat Unseen in 30 Years! "Stone Rods," Prayer Implements from the Jomon Period Unearthed in Miyagawa Town, Hida City, and 377 Other Items Designated as National Important Cultural Properties! Recognized for their high academic value as materials for deciphering the manufacturing process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the Shima and Shioya Kinseijinja Shrine Ruins in Hida City?

A: These ruins are rare sites that clearly preserve traces of the production of stone rods, which were representative ritual objects of the Jomon period.

Q: How many items have been recommended for designation as National Important Cultural Properties?

A: A total of 377 items, including 284 main designated items and 93 attached items, have been recommended for designation.

Q: What material was used to manufacture the stone rods excavated in Miyagawa Town?

A: The Jomon people used tuff, which is commonly known as "Shioya Stone" collected nearby, as the raw material for making the stone rods.

Q: What is the estimated age range of the stone rod production traces found at the ruins?

A: The excavated materials reveal a stone rod production process spanning from approximately 4,500 years ago to 3,500 years ago.

Q: Why was the collection of excavated materials highly evaluated by the Cultural Council?

A: It was evaluated for identifying the material source and serving as benchmark data showing the transition of stone rod forms from large to small.