Analysis of carbonized residue adhering to the linear-relief (Ryuki-senmon) pottery excavated from the Hyakunincho 3-chome Nishi site, Tokyo, Japan

In this study, we analyzed the carbonized residue adhering to the inner surface of pottery excavated at the Hyakunincho 3-chome Nishi site, Tokyo, Japan. We examined the chronological position of the linear relief pottery group at the beginning of the Incipient Jomon period, which is the earliest pottery stage in the history of the Japanese archipelago. A small amount of carbonized residue was found adhering to the pottery. Radiocarbon dating using micro sample analysis was performed on the residue, dating the pottery to 15,270-14,940 cal BP. Furthermore, carbon and nitrogen stable isotope analyses showed that the carbonized residue originated from terrestrial flora and fauna and indicated that the dating results were highly reliable. The radiocarbon dating results for 50 samples of carbonized residue found in linear-relief pottery were compared with the early stage linear-relief pottery excavated from Layer 3c of Fukui Cave in Nagasaki Prefecture. Linear-relief pottery was made for approximately 2000 years beginning about 16,000 years ago. The pottery found at the Hyakunincho 3-chome Nishi site dates within the middle stage among them.