pit dwelling; dugout
Archaeological term for a type of ancient dwelling built partially underground, common in the Jōmon period.
Many remains of pit dwellings have been found at this archaeological site.
Pit dwellings are a typical form of housing in the Jōmon period.
A shorter variant without 式, also meaning pit dwelling. 竪穴式住居 is the more formal, full term.
Raised-floor dwelling, another ancient Japanese housing style, contrasting with the pit dwelling.
Compound of 竪穴 (tateana, 'vertical hole') + 式 (shiki, 'style') + 住居 (jūkyo, 'dwelling'). The term describes a dwelling built by digging a pit into the ground.