The influence of climatic change on chestnut and horse chestnut preservation around Jomon sites in Northeastern Japan with special reference to the Sannai-Maruyama and Kamegaoka sites
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文摘
The Sannai-Maruyama and Kamegaoka sites, located in the northernmost part of Honshu Island, have been famous since the 18th century. They are assumed to be representative of Jomon sites in Northeast Japan. Recent research has revealed that the culture was well developed and the sites were well populated. Thus, some kind of plant cultivation could be expected to support such a population. Based on pollen analyses at the sites, it is highly possible that hansaibai (selective preservation) of Castanea and Aesculus trees was adapted for food sources during the Jomon Period. During warm periods, a Castanea stand was selected, and during cold periods, an Aesculus stand was preserved near the sites. Thus, the types of food sources were selected depending on the climate at that time, most likely determined by the horticultural characteristics of the plants. Since northernmost Honshu is close to the northern limit of Castanea distribution in Japan, production of chestnuts was strongly affected by a cold climate. In addition, cold water is necessary to remove toxic substances from Aesculus prior to consumption. It appears that the Jomon people were already aware of these facts when they chose their food sources.