JOURNAL ARTICLE

The Birth of Yamatogoto Culture: Stringed Instruments and the Formation of Complex Society in Pre- and Protohistoric Japan.

  • Published In: Asian Perspectives: Journal of Archeology for Asia & the Pacific, 2024, v. 63, n. 1. P. 98 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Stromberg, Kirie 3 of 3

Abstract

Excavated Japanese zithers are likely the oldest surviving stringed instruments in East Asia. This article reviews diachronic changes that occurred in the forms of wood zithers in pre- and protohistoric Japan over approximately two millennia (ca. 1500 B.C.-A.D. 600). It highlights developments such as the addition of resonator boxes, average size increase, and inclusion of figural ornamentation. Results indicate that these formal developments, in addition to the adoption of a seated playing posture as portrayed in Kofun haniwa musician figurines, were driven by the needs of growing communities and their leaders. This analysis suggests that examining changes in musical instruments can be used alongside traditional lines of evidence to research the origins of social complexity and thereby carves out space for a humanistic approach to the study of prehistory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additional Information

  • Source:Asian Perspectives: Journal of Archeology for Asia & the Pacific. 2024/01, Vol. 63, Issue 1, p98
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Anthropology
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0066-8435
  • DOI:10.1353/asi.2024.a923665
  • Accession Number:176260011
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Asian Perspectives: Journal of Archeology for Asia & the Pacific is the property of University of Hawai'i and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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