Final answer:
The Jomon period in Japan is named for its pottery characterized by 'cord pattern' decor, reflecting a culture that combined hunter-gatherer lifestyles with early agriculture and sophisticated wood construction techniques in their permanent settlements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term Jomon, referring to the Jomon period in Japan, means "cord pattern" in Japanese. This period is notable for its ancient pottery traditions, which date back to approximately 14,500 BCE. It represents the Neolithic era of Japan, and its artisans are known for creating pottery using the coil construction method and then impressing cord designs into the clay before firing. These vessels were created for both utilitarian and ceremonial purposes, showcasing that aesthetic considerations were valued in their craftsmanship. Pottery from this era is distinguished by its geometric-patterned decorations, which were achieved by impressing cords and ropes into the wet clay.
The Jomon people were primarily hunter-gatherers, and they also engaged in early forms of agriculture, such as cultivating yams and lily-bulbs, as well as later rice cultivation. They lived in permanent settlements, often constructed with wood using sophisticated techniques like the mortise and tenon joint construction. They were also skilled woodworkers, evidenced by findings of elaborate wooden tools and canoes at archeological sites.