2,900-Year-Old Clay Earring Discovered

Archaeologists in Japan have discovered an ancient clay earring with delicate patterns that was made around 3,000 years ago.

The unusual piece of jewellery was found at the historic Shinpukuji site in Saitama.

The artifact will be presented to the public for the first time in mid-November 2026 during an event marking 100 years since research began at the historic site.

The earring measures about 8 centimeters in diameter, while some of the clay elements on its surface are only 1 millimeter thick.

Its surface features curved lines separated by small gaps and elegant decorative patterns. Reddish traces suggest that the piece may originally have had a brighter and more vivid color.

The delicate ornament dates to Japan’s Jomon period, which predates the formation of the country’s first states.

Experts were particularly impressed by the ability of craftsmen from that era to work so precisely and skillfully with clay just 1 millimeter thick.