2.7. Acquisition and consumption of obsidian in the Upper Palaeolithic on Kyushu, Japan

In this paper we examine obsidian exploitation patterns by dividing the time between the Upper Palaeolithic and the Incipient Jomon periods into 10 distinct phases. This periodization is based on techno-morphological and raw material preference in the lithic assemblages from southern Kyushu, Japan. As a result, threemajor periods are configured as follows. Period 1 constitutes the beginning of obsidian use during phase 2 (approximately 30,000 BP) ; it is the time when all of the currently known obsidian sources in southern Kyushu start being used. During period 2, which corresponds with phase 5 (approximately 24,000-22,000 BP), we see the use of obsidian in northwestern Kyushu for the manufacture of Tanukidani and Imatoge-type knife shaped point. Finally, period 3 coincides with the micro blade industry, phase 8 (approximately 15,000 BP), and represents the peak of obsidian exploitation during the Upper Palaeolithic. Obsidian use predominates in almost all areas of southern Kyushu. With regard to the reasons behind these changes in obsidian use, it seems that they are related to lithic technology, behavioral patterns, and territorial boundaries of the groups that inhabited the area.