Globalizing the prehistory of Japan : language, genes and civilization / Ann Kumar.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Kumar, Ann, 1943-

Series:

Routledge studies in the early history of Asia ; 6.

Routledge studies in the early history of Asia ; 6

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Yayoi culture.

Japan--History--To 645.

Japan.

History.

Physical Description:

x, 208 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm.

Place of Publication:

London ; New York : Routledge, 2009.

Summary:

This innovative work uses new evidence to challenge previously-held views on the prehistory and origins of Japanese society and identity. The changes in society in Japan between the Jomon and Yayoi cultures were unique, going far beyond those of the so-called Neolithic Revolution in other parts of the world. Uniquely, they included bronze and iron production, as well as a new architecture with symbolic significance, a new religion and a hierarchical society with an emperor at its head. The Yayoi period has been seen as the very beginning of Japanese civilization and identity. It has usually been thought that all the Yayoi innovations came from China and Korea, but this work uses new materials from diverse fields including rice genetics, DNA and historical linguistics to show that the major elements of Yayoi civilization actually came from the south. This is an important contribution to the prehistory of Japan and of South East Asia.

Contents:

Introduction

Myths and mental space

The prehistories of Japan and Indonesia

The enterprise of rice cultivation

The evidence of the teeth and skulls

Breaking the DNA code

Breaking the language code : the words that tell the story

The world enchanted

Conclusion : a consilience of induction.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [184]-200) and index.

ISBN:

9780710313133

0710313136

9780203886434

0203886437

OCLC:

230802622