Prehistoric Ryukyu

Information in this section spans by far the longest period in Ryukyuan-Okinawan history, from the creation of the planet earth and evolution of the oceans and continents through to the uneven transition throughout the islands to neolithic culture and greater sophistication in community organization, at some point from the 10th to 11th century.

If you know of any good information resources or downloadable files that should be included here please let me know (e-mail address at foot of page)

Prehistoric Ryukyu

Geology and Creation Myths [John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

The Early Inhabitants of Okinawa-Ryukyu [John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Utaaki and Village Formation [John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

Life in Early Villages: Verses from the Omoro saushi [John Michael Purves - Okinawa History & Culture Course - lecture readings]

WWW resources

Festivals and Rituals of Okinawa [external Wonder Okinawa Website - Japanese/English - retrieved 16th October 2007]

Ryukyuan religion [external Wikipedia website - English - retrieved 16th October 2007]

(PDF document) "UTAKI in Okinawa and Sacred Spaces in Asia: Community Development and Cultural Heritage" [external Japan Foundation Website - English - retrieved 18th October 2007]

The Jomon period (縄文時代) [external Wikipedia website - English - retrieved 19th October 2007]

The Yayoi period (弥生時代) [external Wikipedia website - English - retrieved 19th October 2007]

somayama@me.com