The Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles are indeed fascinating. Located near Chitose City in Hokkaido, these burial circles date back to the latter half of the Late Jomon period, around 1200 BCE12. Here are some key points about their significance:
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Unique Structure: The burial circles are large, torus-shaped earthworks created by digging circular pits and piling the excavated soil around them. Each circle contains several burial pits12.
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Cultural Importance: These burial circles provide valuable insights into the social and spiritual practices of the Jomon people. The presence of standing stones and the use of red pigment (Bengala) in some graves suggest complex burial rituals2.
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Archaeological Value: The Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles are among the largest and most well-preserved examples of Jomon-period burial sites. They were designated a national historic site in 1979 and again in 20193.
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Tourist Attraction: The site is accessible to visitors and offers a glimpse into ancient Japanese history. Guided tours and educational materials are available to help people understand the significance of these ancient structures2.
If you have any more questions or need further details, feel free to ask! 😊
1: Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles - kiusunokai ページ！ 2: Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles – 【official website】World Heritage Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan 3: Mounds of Ancient Artifacts: Kiusu Earthwork Burial Circles
