A Study on the Spatial Composition of Christian Settlements and Its Formative Process in Goto Islands

本研究试图以个案研究的方式，厘清后藤群岛基督徒聚落的空间特征。基督教聚落根据历史环境特别是明治时期的历史环境分为两类；一种是“隐蔽的基督教定居点”，另一种是“天主教定居点”。我们选取了每一类的典型案例，分析了它们的地域形态和形成过程。因此，很明显，两个聚落具有相同的领土单位组成和分支家族的繁殖系统。我们认为基督教聚落的独特景观不是基于宗教方面，而是基于分支家族的习惯建立和分裂的继承制度。

In this research we attempt to make clear the spatial feature of Christian Settlements in Goto Islands by case studies.Christian Settlements are divided into two categories based on historical circumstances particularly at the Meiji era ; one is "Hidden-Christian Settlement" and another is "Catholic Settlement". We chose typical examples of each category, and analyzed their territorial configurations and formative processes.As a result, it became clear that both settlements have same territorial unit composition and multiplication system of branch families. And we considered that the unique sight of Christian Settlements is not based on religious aspect but customary establishment of branch families and the divided succession system.