Yukuepira Chashi

The site of Yukuepira Chashi (ユクエピラチャシ跡) in Rikubetsu, Hokkaidō, Japan, is that once occupied by the Ainu chashi of Yukuepira, one of the largest on the island. It has been designated a National Historic Site.

Name
Yukuepira is derived from the Ainu yuk "deer", e "eat", and pira "cliff". The site also goes by the name of Kaneran Chashi (カネランチャシ).

Overview
One of a number of chashi situated along the Toshibetsu River (利別川) and opposite a steep cliff, the site is defined by a large embankment. Skeletal remains from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries of some ten thousand deer may be linked to trade in skins, and Yukuepira is understood to have functioned not only as a fort.

Investigation of the site from 2002 to 2004 has uncovered remains of a palisade, holes for posts, and a layer of ash. Artefacts of iron and bone have been recovered together with evidence for the diet, which included fish, nuts, and seeds. Earlier Jōmon and Zoku-Jōmon lithics and ceramics have also been found.