Hokkaido Archaeological Operations Center
# Hokkaido Archaeological Operations Center

Hokkaido Archaeological Operations Center (北海道立埋蔵文化財センター, Hokkaidō-ritsu Maizō Bunkazai Sentaa) opened in Ebetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan in 1999. Its aim is to protect, preserve, and utilize buried cultural properties.

## History

In December 2017, researchers from the Hokkaido Archaeological Operations Center announced the discovery of the oldest ancient stone with a human face painted on it (12x13cm), estimating its creation date between 2,500 and 1,000 B.C.

## Description

The exhibition hall features two Important Cultural Properties: an earthen Jōmon mask from the Mamachi Site and artefacts excavated from the Bibi 8 Site.

## Collection

* From Chitose City: Stone rods unearthed at the (30 to 70 cm long), animal-shaped clay figure (Bibi-chan), Jomon clay mask
* 350x80x33cm chiseled monolith
* Magemono made of Thujopsis, excavated in Yukanboshi
