A 2,900-year-old clay earring with intricate red spirals was found in Japan, revealing Jōmon-era artistry and possible cultural connections.
Ancient earring found in Japan
A clay earring, believed to be around 2,900 years old, was discovered at the Shinpukuji shell midden in Saitama, Japan. The earring, with delicate spirals and red pigmentation, is an example of the Jōmon artistic tradition, which thrived in the region during the Neolithic period.Details of the earring’s design
The earring, which fits in the palm of the hand, was found during excavations on July 23, 2026. It features hollowed-out spirals forming a true clay lacework, still marked with red traces. The ornament is dated to the final Jōmon period, the last phase of this hunter-gatherer culture.Artistic similarities found
The earring’s motif resembles nearly two other earrings found at different sites in Japan. One comes from the Sennami-Yato site in Kiryū, Gunma Prefecture, and the other from the Shimofuda site in Chōfu, Tokyo. Both are classified as "Important Cultural Properties" in Japan, suggesting shared decorative traditions between distant villages.Possible significance of the find
The location of the discovery suggests it may be a burial site. If so, the earring could have had symbolic or social significance, potentially indicating the wearer’s identity or status. The red pigment also suggests the object was originally more colorful, though no detailed study has been published to date.
