Changes in Weaponry: Warabite Swords
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Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 27, 2017 (Tue) - May 13, 2018 (Sun)In the 7th to 8th centuries, iron swords with hilts shaped like fern fronds (called warabite swords in Japanese) were disseminated throughout the Japanese archipelago. In eastern Japan, and the northeastern Tohoku region in particular, these swords have been excavated in great quantities from tumuli and ancient graves. Their use as grave goods shows that burial practices were di erent from those practiced in the capital.