Ushida Yayoi Bunka Tomb (prefectural historic site)

In September 1957, a shell mound was discovered on the eastern slope during soil-removal work for the reconstruction of Waseda Shrine on Mt. Waseda. The shell mound was 1.5m below the surface soil and was small, measuring about 1m wide and 30cm thick. However, a subsequent investigation revealed a cylindrical Yayoi period grave dug beneath the shell layer. The hole was 1.5m in diameter near the shell layer and about 1.5m deep to the bottom. The inside was filled with soil containing charcoal fragments and pottery, and a chipped stone arrowhead made of andesite, as well as a human skull and jawbone, were excavated. These bones were located 70-80cm from the bottom and are thought to have survived partially due to the limestone of the shell mound above. The human bones at the bottom, on the other hand, were poorly preserved due to high humidity and other factors and appear to have disappeared. Additionally, river stones and broken stones were placed along the floor and walls at the bottom, which are believed to have been used as supports for placing the body. From these facts, it is presumed that this tomb dates to the middle to late Yayoi period, that the person buried there was a middle-aged man, and that he was buried in a flexed position (kusso). The burial method during the Yayoi period was generally extended burial, where the body was laid on its side, and this type of flexed burial was rare, making this a unique case that has no parallels in the prefecture. Date of designation: March 13, 1958 (Showa 33)