Key Concepts from Early Japanese History and Shinto

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and definitions related to early Japanese history and the Shinto religion, providing a helpful study tool for understanding key concepts.

Jōmon period

A prehistoric period in Japan that lasted from approximately 14,000 BCE to 300 BCE, characterized by the production of intricate pottery adorned with cord markings and a hunter-gatherer lifestyle. This era is recognized for its unique art, social structures, and early forms of spirituality, with communities developing rituals and practices around nature.

jōmon

Refers to the distinctive cord markings found on pottery from the Jōmon period, which are created by pressing cords into wet clay before firing. These markings not only served a decorative purpose but also indicated the pottery's functional use, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic expression of the time.

dogū

Clay female figures created during the Jōmon period, varying in size and often characterized by exaggerated features such as large hips and breasts. These figures are thought to have been used in ritual practices, possibly representing fertility or health, and provide insight into the gender roles and beliefs of Jōmon society.

Yayoi period

The historical period in Japan spanning approximately 300 BCE to 300 CE, marked by significant advancements in agriculture such as wet-rice farming, which fostered the development of settled communities. The Yayoi period also saw the introduction of metalworking techniques, particularly the use of bronze and iron, influencing social structures and trade.

dōtaku

Ceremonial bronze bells crafted during the Yayoi period, often richly decorated with geometric patterns and motifs that reflect the religious and cultural beliefs of the time. Dōtaku were used in rituals and ceremonies, indicating their importance in the spiritual life of Yayoi society.

Kofun period

A historical phase in Japan, lasting from c. 300 to 552 CE, marked by the construction of large burial mounds known as kofun. This period is associated with the rise of powerful clan leaders and a stratified society, as seen in the elaborate funerary practices and the rich grave goods found within these mounds.

kofun

Enormous burial mounds built during the Kofun period, serving as tombs for powerful individuals and often shaped like keyholes. Kofun were typically surrounded by moats and featured haniwa, indicating a complex belief system regarding death and the afterlife.

haniwa

Hollow clay statues placed atop or around burial mounds during the Kofun period, representing various figures such as warriors, animals, and everyday objects. These statues not only adorned the tombs but also served ritualistic purposes, possibly as offerings to the spirits of the deceased.

Shinto

The ancient, indigenous religion of Japan characterized by the worship of kami, which are spirits associated with natural elements, ancestors, and specific locations. Shinto emphasizes ritual practices, purity, and the connection between human life and the divine, shaping cultural identity and tradition in Japan.

kami

The spirits or deities in Shinto belief, which can embody natural elements like trees, rocks, and rivers, as well as ancestral spirits. Kami are central to Shinto practices, often worshiped through rituals conducted at shrines, underscoring the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Sun Goddess Amaterasu

The most revered deity in Shinto, recognized as the goddess of the sun and the universe. According to mythology, she plays a crucial role in the creation of Japan and the imperial family, symbolizing light, fertility, and growth. Temples dedicated to her, particularly in Ise, are important pilgrimage sites.

Ise Shrine

An important Shinto shrine located in Mie Prefecture, dedicated to Amaterasu. Renowned for its architectural style and religious significance, the shrine is rebuilt every 20 years to preserve its purity and tradition, representing the cyclical nature of life in Shinto beliefs.