The Jomon

The word Jomon literally translates to "cord-marked" referring to a pottery technique that can be seen below, but primarily refers to the Neolithic period in Japan. The Incipient Jomon period began around 10,500 BCE and the Jomon period concluded around 300 BCE with the Final Jomon period, by which time the society had reached a significant level of advancement.

From the Final Jomon period, this bust of a female figurine's exact meaning is not known, the accentuated female characteristics  indicate the possibility of it being used as a symbol of fertility.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.191

From the Final Jomon period, this vessel demonstrates both cord patterning and intricate design. 

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/s/spouted_vessel.aspx

A decorated pot from the Middle Jomon period, made 3000-2000 BCE, about 12.5 inches tall.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=765512&partId=1&searchText=jomon

This pot from the early Jomon period showcases the indicative cord patterning of the period. Originally paired with a lid, this pot would likely have been used for food boiling and consumption.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/asia/l/jomon_pot.aspx

A Late Jomon bottle illustrating a standard incised design as well as the trend toward practicality in design.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.184

The ornamental nature of the top of this 13 inch tall bowl from the late Middle Jomon period may indicate its use in ritual, rather than practical life.  

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1992.252.1

This stone spearhead from the Late Jomon period serves as a testament to the great skill and dedication to craftsmanship of the Jomon.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.200

This unglazed earthenware storage jar from the Middle Jomon period is particularly notable for its skillfully crafted artistic style. Also notable is the 27.5 inch tall jar's cord-marked pattern, a characteristic of Jomon pottery.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.182

These small tools carved from bone made in the Final Jomon period give us insight into some of the primary elements of the Jomon diet: fish, shellfish, and sea mammals.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1975.268.333-345

Clay models of people and animals such as this one, called dogu, served as a starting point for much of the later Japanese sculpture to come. Like the previous figure, this figurine's stylized feminine characteristics suggest its use as a fertility symbol. Additionally, dogu such as this one were consciously broken as a part of rituals to cure sickness.

http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1978.346

A decorated pot from the Middle Jomon period, made 3000-2000 BCE, about 12.5 inches tall.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=765512&partId=1&searchText=jomon