If you like history and cats, then officials at a museum in northeastern Japan have the perfect challenge: come up with a nickname for an ancient artifact that resembles a kitty's head.
The object is housed at Oyasuba Historic Park in Fukushima Prefecture. It measures about 6 centimeters wide and 5 centimeters high.
It was excavated 23 years ago at an archaeological site in the city of Koriyama, but enjoyed renewed attention on social media during a local exhibition four years ago.
Park officials say little is known about the object, except that it was made in the prehistoric Jomon period.
Curator Konuma Sakura even says it's unclear whether the artifact is actually meant to be a cat.
At the same time, she hopes the naming contest encourages people to take a deeper interest in local history.
The winning nickname will be announced on February 22.
The object is housed at Oyasuba Historic Park in Fukushima Prefecture. It measures about 6 centimeters wide and 5 centimeters high.
It was excavated 23 years ago at an archaeological site in the city of Koriyama, but enjoyed renewed attention on social media during a local exhibition four years ago.
Park officials say little is known about the object, except that it was made in the prehistoric Jomon period.
Curator Konuma Sakura even says it's unclear whether the artifact is actually meant to be a cat.
At the same time, she hopes the naming contest encourages people to take a deeper interest in local history.
The winning nickname will be announced on February 22.
Similar Readings (5 items)
Experts solve mystery of 'mermonkey mummy' at Buddhist temple
In Nagano, an excavation of Japan’s ancient elephant looks to rewrite history
Researcher: Cats can learn to recognize names of other cats
Infrared photography creates clearer image of mural at Kitora Tumulus in Nara
Fossil found in Japan identified as new species of prehistoric mosasaur
Summary
Ancient cat-like artifact from Jomon period, found in Fukushima Prefecture museum's naming contest. Renewed attention on social media during a local exhibition. Little known about the object; its feline likeness is uncertain. Contest aims to foster interest in local history. Announcement of
Statistics
146
Words1
Read CountDetails
ID: 5b342170-132c-4bcf-964a-c779ae8bb95a
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230114_03/
Date: Jan. 14, 2023
Created: 2023/01/14 09:43
Updated: 2025/12/09 09:03
Last Read: 2023/01/14 14:55