the Paleolithic period
It is said that
the Paleolithic period lasted from about three million years ago until ten
thousand years ago.
In those days, it
is thought that people lived in caves and used chipped stone tools and ate
animals and nuts.
It is considered
that Japan was a part of the Eurasian Continent then it was thought that people
had not lived in Japan at that time, because chipped stone tools were never found
in Japan.
↓chipped stone tools excavated at Takainari Barrow owned by Nerima Shakujii Furusato Museum
However, in 1949,
Tadahiro Aizawa discovered a chipped stone tool for the first time in Japan.
He was an amateur
archeologist who excavated and researched at Iwajuku in Gunma prefecture. In
1949, he discovered a chipped stone tool made of obsidian in perfect condition.
After he reported his find, some professor's research team was dispatched to
the site and the tool was confirmed genuine. However, Mr. Aizawa was an unknown
amateur archeologist who had not received academic education, so the great
discovery was announced as the professor's achievement.
In spite of the
cruel treatment, Mr. Aizawa never gave up and continued excavation. Then he
found many ruins of the Paleolithic era. As a result, his accomplishments were
widely recognized.
◎This photo was taken at the Nerima furusato museum.
Recent Comments