In this report, I was trying to analyze the Neolithic age relics excavated from the east sea of Gang-won area, restore aspect of livelihood and elucidate the process of alterations. All the while in the academic world, the Neolithic age relics have be...
In this report, I was trying to analyze the Neolithic age relics excavated from the east sea of Gang-won area, restore aspect of livelihood and elucidate the process of alterations. All the while in the academic world, the Neolithic age relics have been relatively neglected that in the regional study it was far short of the standard and research based on relics has been inactive.
The Neolithic age relics from the east sea of Gangwon area started to receive attention since the research of relics in Yangyang Osan-ri conducted by Museum of Seoul National University. Since then from the late of 1980’s regional archaeologist has been conducted close investigation continuously. Thus, in the matter of quantity and quality the Neolithic age relic in the east sea area has been rapidly waxed.
In this manuscript, relics was categorized by the times and each relics’ age was analyzed and then this stoneware was linked and estimated as the representative method of the production activity which was widely used.
Analyzing the relics from the east sea of Gang-won area categorized by the times, there are relics of Munam-ri, Osan-ri, Mangsang-dong correspond to the Neolithic age. Mostly pottery with appique decorationor pottery of Osan-ri but recently red polished pottery was identified in the lowest ground. When stoneware were reviewed, united fish hook or stone axe had high ratio and accompanied by the all variety of chipped stone tool. This aspect is the transitional features indicating that although there is a little change from the original feature but in the formation and usage of stoneware is more with purpose and standardized. This could draw a deduction that there was a change from the original fishing way using harpoon or spear to compound fishing way (united fish hook and untied harpoon).
The relics of the middle Neolithic age of the east sea of Gangwon area can be verified at a large extent. This stage is mostly represented by the west coastal pointed bottom of comb-pattern pottery and it is different from the former stage of shape and pattern of pottery. Compare to the former stage, aspects of the stoneware is showing similar quantity or rather declining. The Biggest difference between the stoneware of the former stage and the middle stage is usage of chipped stone tool and the frequency of the usage. Moreover, relative importance and quantity of some stoneware which has been disregarded was showing signs of extension and this is estimated as the change from the former Neolithic age’s fishing way which has been focused in the ocean was altered into using fishing net way of fishing centered around riverside in the middle stage intend to catch a large amount of fish. But It is hard to exclude the possibilities of the change of aspects in the augmentation of population , change of environment and deficiency of food. This phenomenon in hunting, gathering, movement of cultivation and all variety of changes can be found in the aspect of stoneware. Aside from Stone blade for plant collecting and stone grinding pestle and stone slab for cutting , although there is no direct evidence for current agriculture. But part of digging tools was found and there is a possibility that using stoneware of the middle stage as subsidiary role for agriculture.
Closely examined relic of the latter and the end of the Neolithic age of the east sea area is limited to Chultong-ri relic. Since there is a little amount of relic, it can be in haste to conclude the overall aspect but there is no doubt it is exceedingly important relic in order to translate the aspect of the latter Neolithic stage of the east sea. This relic’s location is almost concord with that of the Bronze age. Little is known about the cause of the change of habitation according to the times and production method. But except from the various kinds of stoneware and fishing-net sinker
Tool type of stone axe and cutting method of stone grinding pestle were limitedly found inside of relic. This phenomenon can enhance the possibility of alteration of livelihood from ocean to land according to the change of environment and agricultural intention on riversides and hill sides for growing wild plants.
Relic of the Neolithic age of the east sea in Gangwon area’s archaeological research is not regarded as much of importance of relic itself. From now on, If continuous investigation is carried out and more research is accumulated other than the east sea of Gangwon area, this can help the whole research of livelihood of the Neolithic age in Korea.