Tantalizing clues in ancient mounds 05/04/2005 The Asahi Shimbun SAGA-Ancient mounds here may be among the nation's oldest and prove that the original owners were pretty inventive for their day. Recent excavations at the Higashimyo archeological site indicate the shell mounds date back 7,000 years-to the early Jomon Period (8000 B.C.-300 B.C.). Higashimyo has western Japan's largest such mounds. They are believed to have been created by the dumping of shells and other refuse. Remains of more than 40 baskets, hand-woven from thin strips of wood, have been found there. Experts say they may be the oldest so far discovered....