In a remote site on the northern island of Hokkaido, researchers have discovered a cluster of iron-tipped ceremonial spears and ritual bone deposits dating to the 5th century CE. These artifacts are being hailed as some of the oldest archaeological evidence for the precursors of the Iyomante, the traditional bear-sending festival of the Ainu people. The site features a central hearth surrounded by specific skeletal arrangements of the Ussuri brown bear, indicating a highly structured ritual practice.
The presence of iron-tipped spears, which were non-functional for actual hunting, suggests they were used exclusively as ceremonial 'votive' objects to honor the spirit of the bear. This find bridges a major gap in the historical record of indigenous Japanese cultural heritage, tracing the spiritual continuity of northern hunter-gatherer societies long before the arrival of modern agricultural traditions. The ritual site is now being considered for special protection as a primary source of Ainu heritage.