Specifics of the food ration among the population of the Japanese islands in jomon period (based on the materials of archaeological sites)

The article is devoted to study of the food ration, subsistence strategies and food-capturing habit among the population of the Japanese islands in Jomon period that permits to highlight the detail of life, the ground of culture and social structure in the Neolithic time. The article considers the specifics of food ration at the different stages of culture existence. We analyzed the main food resources of Neolithic population on the Japanese islands: sea animals, fish, mammals, birds, and etc. We marked out some regional specifics in food ration of the most ancient inhabitants of the Japanese islands. The article presents the research data on the archaeological sites, such as shell-mounds, caves, settlements, especially in the boggy areas, which allow concluding about food resources and food ration of ancient people on the Japanese islands: excavation materials demonstrate the findings of more than 60 species of animals, more than 350 species of shells, about 35 species of birds and 55 species of plants. We underline the important role, which dolphins played for Jomon people, especially in Middle Jomon. The study of the Jomon settlements suppose the transition to permanent, not seasonal home area and settled lyfestyle in general. The increased quantity of hunted species of animals permitted to influence on their number in a lesser degree and save the natural balance. We conclude that use of various food resources make possible to achieve stability in food procurement, in spite of seasonal availability of animals and plants. Close links of Neolithic population of Japanese islands with environment gave an opportunity to support the stable existence of society.