An Archaeomythological Consideration of Matristic Culture Applied to Ancient Japan

Susan G. Carter

Abstract

Marija Gimbutas (1921-1994) used the term “matristic” to refer to the cultural characteristics of the earliest agrarian societies of southeastern Europe, such as gender parity and complementarity. These included spiritual beliefs that expressed a deification of nature and nature symbols, a deep veneration for the generative ability of the earth, and the concept of the source of life in female forms. Drawing from Gimbutas’ body of research, seven cultural characteristics are identified here as primary determinants of a matristic culture. Using archaeomythology as a guiding method, these “Matristic Cultural Indicators” are adjusted and applied to ancient Japan of the Jomon period  (ca. 13,600–900 BCE). Susan Carter examines the possible existence of a matristic culture there that could have created the conditions for a strong and enduring female deity to emerge and survive, such as Amaterasu-o-mi-kami, the Japanese Sun Goddess.