Isedotai Prehistoric Site in Akita

In 2021, 17 archaeological sites in Northen Japan were designated by UNESCO as the world cultural heritage of Jomon Prehistoric Sites. Isedotai site is one of the 17, being located on banks of Yoneshiro River in Akita. It commands Shirakami Sanchi, a UNESCO world natural heritage site.

Isedotai developed from 2000BCE to 1700BCE, demonstrating the stage of maturity of sedentism. Ritual center and cemetery were built and people lived in settlements around the center. There remain four stone circles which were believed to be used for rituals (specific purposes are unknown).

Left: Display of Dogu clay figures at Isedotai Site Museum

Right: Shirakami Sanchi, world natural heritage site

Dogu, clay figures

Besides, the stone circles, Isedotai Site boasts of many unique Dogu, clay figures which were found during the preparation stage for constructing new highways.

Banjo Dogu, flat clay figure (left)

Banjo Dogu was unearthed with no significant damage, while almost all others were found broken. There are some archeologists who claim that Dogu were created and broken at rituals for some ceremonial reasons. Three exist three small bumps on the body which are to symbolize her breasts and belly bottom. On her heed, you can see three sets of two holes. Could you tell which represents her eyes?

Smiling Dogu (center)

This clay figure was unearthed at Shirozaka Site, located to the south of Isedotai. It seems only one smiling Dogu out of all Dogu unearthed so far. Unfortunately, when I visited Isedotai, the smiling Dogu was being temporarily lent to another museum.

Dogu with one leg broken (right)

Majority of Dogu seem females. Like a figure on the photo, many Dogu has breasts and belly bottom. There exist Dogu which have pregnancy stretch marks. Pregnant females symbolize birth of life. It is assumed that female Dogu were created to pray not only for easy birth but for great harvest. Majority of Dogu were found damaged or broken. It might be simple breakage over centuries or might be broken for ritual purposes. We don’t have evidence to tell which is correct.

Why don’t you plan to visit Isedotai Jomon prehistoric site after/before you visit Shirakami Sanchi? It would let you enjoy both cultural and natural world heritage sites in Akita.

You may want to look into another post by me which is about Shirakami Sanchi world natural heritage site. Please click here.

Jin Shibata

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