Archaeology, Ethnology & Anthropology of Eurasia 34 (2) 2008

Annotation:  New Insights into the Archaeological Record at Chikhen Agui Rockshelter (Mongolia) A Paleolithic Bracelet from Denisova Cave Principal Excavation Techniques under Permafrost Conditions (Based on Zhokhov and Yana Sites, Northe Late Pleistocene Bison (Bison p. priscus Bojanis, 1827) from the Southeastern Part of Western Siberi Infant Burials in Dwellings at Chicha-1, in the Baraba Forest-Steppe: Results of DNA Analysis Burial Assemblages of Boisman-2 – a Stratifi ed Site in Southern Primorye The Burial Construction of Noin Ula Mound 20, Mongolia Ornamental Traditions of the Lower Amur Neolithic Horseman Image on an Ostrich Eggshell Fragment Gamma-shaped Artifacts from Western and Southern Siberia, the Urals, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia Destiny in the Traditional Beliefs of the Aginsk Buryats A Historical and Ethnological Analysis of Intellectual Play in the Japanese Art of Incense Blending: Gypsy Easter The Paleodemography of Western Siberia in the Middle and Late Bronze Age The Origins of the Koreans: Evidence of Physical Anthropology   

A Historical and Ethnological Analysis of Intellectual Play in the Japanese Art of Incense Blending: The Banmono Board Play

E.E. Voytishek.

Ludic culture is a key element in the Japanese ethnic identity. Based on existing classifi cations and concepts, a typology of this phenomenon is attempted. Particular focus is made on intellectual contests of skills, knowledge, and wisdom, inherent in the Oriental mentality. Certain types of intellectual games, rites, and recreations based on the traditional art of koudou (incense blending) are described. The history of this art is outlined, and its relationship with various aspects of Japanese written and ludic culture is discussed.