THE NATIVE TRADITION

The illustrated presentation which you have just completed covered four fundamental topics and themes:

  1. basic information concerning the three distinct cultural styles (Jomon, Yayoi and Kofun) developed during Japan's prehistory;
  2. characteristic aspects of traditional Japanese civilization developed during the prehistoric era leading to the formation of The Native Tradition; and ...
  3. the interplay between archeological artifact and later mythological recountings of this formative period in Japanese cutural history.

DEFINITION OF TERMS
 
Breifly identify each of the following terms and provide an indication of the historical significance attached to each:

QUESTIONS FOR CONTEMPLATION:

In the spaces provided, write a brief response to each of the questions posed below:
  1. The principle source of information and artifacts from the Jomon period is associated with what geological formation? What information about Jomon society and culture has been derived from a study of these sources?

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  2. What additions to early Japanese culture are brought to Jomon culture by developments associated with the Yayoi period?

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  3. What particular characteristic features are associated archaeologically with the Kofun period? What do these sources add to our understanding of the developmental pattern of Familial Japanese culture and society?

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  4. Characterize, on the basis of information derived from archaeological evidence, the basic nature of social, political, economic and religious organization in Familial Japan.

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  5. What continental influences (from China directly and via the Korean peninsula) are evident during the prehistoric era of Familial Japan?

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  6. What features of Japanese life and culture associated with Familial Japan persist today and continue to influence modern Japanese culture and society?

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For some possible answers to the above questions, move on to the next page ...