Aiko Saso
Principal Investigator
Lecturer, Institute of Physical Anthropology, Niigata University of Health and Welfare
Project Overview
This project aims to clarify the biological and cultural transformations that occurred during the transition from the Jomon to the Yayoi period in the Kanto region. To achieve this, we conduct biological anthropological analyses of human skeletal remains excavated from the Bishamon Cave site cluster, located in marine erosion caves along the Miura Peninsula.
Our research is carried out from the following three perspectives:
- Phylogenetic Analysis
Investigating genetic and morphological characteristics to clarify the ancestral lineage of the excavated individuals. - Reconstruction of Past Lifestyles
Reconstruct diets and behavioral patterns through the investigations of oral paleopathologies such as dental caries and periodontal disease, skeletal modifications related to habitual and occupational activities, and stable isotope analysis. - Burial Practice Analysis
Interpreting excavation records, conducting taphonomic analysis of the remains, and performing radiocarbon dating to understand burial processes.
By integrating osteoarcheological data with biochemical analyses and archaeological context, this study seeks to provide a foundation for discussion on the process of fusion between the indigenous Jomon people and migrants from the East Eurasian continent in the coastal area of the Miura Peninsula.
