Moyoro Shell Mound Museum: Unveiling History in Abashiri

Abashiri, a coastal city in Hokkaido, Japan, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Among its many attractions, the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum stands out as a fascinating window into the ancient past of this region. Dedicated to the history and culture of the Moyoro people, an ancient indigenous group, the museum offers an immersive experience that takes visitors back thousands of years.

The Moyoro Shell Mound Museum

Situated in the scenic city of Abashiri, the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the Moyoro people. The museum’s architecture, a blend of modern design and traditional elements, harmonises with its natural surroundings, offering visitors an inviting and contemplative space to explore.

Museum’s Mission and Goals

The museum’s primary mission is to preserve and present the historical and cultural heritage of the Moyoro people, who lived in this area approximately 1,300 years ago. Through its extensive collection of artefacts and interactive exhibits, the museum aims to educate visitors about the ancient practices, beliefs, and daily life of this Indigenous group. It serves as a centre for research and learning about this little-known culture, fostering a deeper understanding of the prehistoric cultures that once thrived in northern Japan.

Key Exhibits and Artifacts

The Moyoro Shell Mound Museum houses an impressive array of artefacts that provide a glimpse into the lives of the Moyoro people. Some of the key exhibits include:

Tools and Pottery: Displayed prominently are various tools and pottery fragments, showcasing the craftsmanship and ingenuity of the Moyoro people. These artefacts reveal their advanced skills in tool-making and pottery, essential for their survival and daily activities.
Human Remains and Burial Practices: One of the most fascinating aspects of the museum is its collection of human remains and burial artefacts. These exhibits offer insights into the unique burial customs and spiritual beliefs of the Moyoro people, highlighting their reverence for the deceased and the afterlife.
Daily Life and Interactions with the Environment: Through a variety of displays, the museum illustrates how the Moyoro people interacted with their environment. Exhibits include fishing tools, hunting equipment, and evidence of agricultural practices, painting a comprehensive picture of their daily lives and survival strategies.

Visitors to the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum are not only treated to a rich tapestry of historical artefacts but are also invited to engage with interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. The museum’s thoughtful curation and dedication to preserving the legacy of the Moyoro people make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the ancient history of Hokkaido.

The Shell Midden

A shell midden, also known as a shell heap, is an archaeological feature consisting of a concentrated accumulation of shells and other organic materials. These middens provide invaluable insights into ancient communities’ dietary habits, resource utilisation, and cultural practices. The Moyoro shell midden, located within the grounds of the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum, is a significant archaeological site.

Historical Significance

The Moyoro shell midden is a testament to the rich and complex lifestyle of the Moyoro people. Discovered in the 20th century, this midden has yielded a wealth of artefacts and remains that have greatly enhanced our understanding of the prehistoric inhabitants of northern Japan. The midden’s layers of shells and other materials span several centuries, offering a chronological record of the Moyoro people’s interaction with their environment.

Archaeological Findings

Excavations of the Moyoro shell midden have uncovered a diverse array of artefacts, each telling a unique story about the Moyoro people and their way of life:

Shells and Marine Life Remains: The midden contains an extensive variety of shells from molluscs, crustaceans, and other marine life. These remains highlight the importance of the sea as a vital food source for the Moyoro people. The variety and abundance of shells also provide clues about seasonal fishing and gathering practices.
Tools and Utensils: Among the shells, archaeologists have found tools and utensils made from bone, stone, and shell. These artefacts illustrate the ingenuity of the Moyoro people in utilising available resources to create tools for hunting, fishing, and everyday tasks.
Animal Bones and Plant Remains: In addition to marine life, the midden contains bones from land animals (especially bears, which were worshipped as gods) and remnants of plants. These findings indicate a diverse diet that included hunting terrestrial animals and gathering wild plants, suggesting a well-rounded subsistence strategy.

Insights into Moyoro Lifestyle

The Moyoro shell midden offers a detailed snapshot of the Moyoro people’s lifestyle and their relationship with the environment. The variety of marine and terrestrial resources found in the midden reflects a deep understanding of and adaptation to their surroundings. The artefacts also suggest a community that was not only skilled in food procurement but also engaged in complex social and ritual practices, as evidenced by the burial practices and ceremonial items discovered.

Visitors to the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum can explore the shell midden through video/audio tours and interactive displays, gaining a firsthand appreciation of the meticulous work involved in uncovering these historical treasures. The midden serves as a tangible link to the past, providing a window into the daily lives, diets, and cultural practices of the Moyoro people.

Visitor Experience

Visiting the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum offers a unique and enriching experience, allowing guests to delve deep into the ancient history of the Moyoro people. The museum’s thoughtful design and engaging exhibits make it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, families, and anyone interested in learning more about Hokkaido’s rich cultural heritage.

Museum Layout and Visitor-Friendly Features

The museum is designed to be both informative and accessible. Its layout is intuitive, guiding visitors through a chronological journey of the Moyoro people’s history. From the moment visitors step inside, they are greeted with a comprehensive introduction to the Moyoro culture, setting the stage for the immersive experience that follows.

The route starts in the basement, then continues on the ground floor, followed by a trip to the upper floor before returning to the ground floor and exiting the same way you enter. The route is well-marked with bear prints.

Interactive Exhibits and Educational Programmes

One of the highlights of the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum is its interactive exhibits. These hands-on displays allow visitors to engage directly with the past, offering activities such as replica handling. Visitors can handle bones, tools and artefacts, providing a tactile connection to the Moyoro people’s everyday life.

The museum also offers a variety of educational programmes tailored to different age groups. These include workshops, lectures, and guided tours that provide deeper insights into the Moyoro culture and the archaeological significance of the site.

Visitor Information

For those planning a visit, here are some essential details:

Opening Hours: The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during peak tourist seasons.
Ticket Prices: Admission fees are affordable. Adult tickets are ¥300, children are ¥200 and children under six can enter for free.
Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, featuring ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms.

Conveniently located in Abashiri, the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum is easily reachable by public transport and offers ample parking for those driving.

A visit to the Moyoro Shell Mound Museum is not just a journey through history but an engaging and educational experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who come to explore its treasures.

Additional information

I recommend you visit their website (English, Japanese) to get the latest information about what is happening at the museum, opening times, ticket prices, etc.

Note: The museum is primarily in Japanese with very few translations. If you do not speak Japanese, you will be given an audio guide to help you as you go around the museum. However, the audio guide does not provide much information about the exhibits.

Moyoro Shell Midden, Abashiri, Hokkaido, Japan / 網走市立郷土博物館分館モヨロ貝塚館