Negoyadai Site

The Negoyadai Site, located in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan, is a significant archaeological site from the Jōmon period, featuring a settlement and a necropolis. The site, discovered during the construction of a municipal cemetery, comprises pit dwellings and grave pits, which are arranged around a central plaza. The pit dwellings are notably large, suggesting communal living, while the necropolis consists of over 339 grave pits, indicating the site's importance in ritual activities. Grave goods such as stone earrings, cylindrical beads, and stone implements were found, highlighting the site's cultural significance. Designated as a National Historic Site in 1988, the artifacts excavated here were declared an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1990. The site's preservation and reconstruction efforts allow for a glimpse into the Jōmon period, offering insights into the social and ritual practices of the time.