Site Formation Processes and Long-term Changes in Land Use among Maritime Hunter-Gatherers: A Case Study at the Hamanaka-2 Site, Rebun Island, Hokkaido

Abstract

Based on structural analysis and conjoinable artifacts using total station data, this research explores site formation processes and changes in land use at the multi-component sand dune site, Hamanaka-2, occupied by maritime hunter-gatherers from the Late Jomon to Okhotsk period. During the Late Jomon and Epi-Jomon periods, the site was intensively used as a campsite where people were involved in seasonal activities. During the Okhotsk culture period, the location functioned as a human burial area and dog butchering site. These different activities are reflected in the artifact and faunal assemblages and refuse patterning in each layer respectively. This paper demonstrates that a spatial analysis using total station data and conjoinable artifacts is methodologically effective in improving our understanding of site formation processes and long-term changes in land use among maritime hunter-gatherers.