A01

The Jomon period offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of human cognition in an insular environment with minimal external influence. Over a span of 13,000 years, Jomon society saw gradual yet significant advancements in material culture, including pottery, clay figurines, basketry, lacquerware, and plant utilization. These developments reflect changes in social cognitive abilities, particularly in relation to material production and environmental adaptation. This study focuses on Jomon pottery, basketry, and clay figurines to examine cognitive shifts. The emergence of intricately designed pottery, highly functional woven goods, and elaborate lacquerware suggests increasing cognitive complexity. In particular, the growing sophistication of clay figurines reflects accumulated knowledge of resource management and symbolic expression. These artifacts serve as indicators of social system maturity, demonstrating the formation of norms and shared knowledge. By integrating perspectives from pedagogy, developmental psychology, jurisprudence, and Jomon studies, this research enhances the theoretical foundation of cognitive archaeology. It contributes to the refinement of the “Material Mind” concept, which explores the role of material culture in shaping human cognition. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the study deepens our understanding of how early societies developed cognitive and social structures over time.