Large Burial Mounds and the Increase in Metal Production
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Iron Adz, From Omaruyama Tumulus, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, Kofun period, 4th–5th century
Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 4, 2019 (Tue) - November 23, 2020 (Mon)Around the end of the 4th century, large keyhole-shaped burial mounds began to appear around the Osaka plain and Nara basin. Royal authority was expressed through burial practices, with grand arrangements of haniwa tomb figurines displayed on these mounds. Central to these arrangements were house-shaped haniwa as well as those representing tools, weapons, and other objects. Moreover, the number of small- and medium-sized burial mounds containing metal weapons and armor began to increase, suggesting that connections between the Yamato Kingdom and provincial clans became more militaristic, and that these connections began to extend to lesser clans as well. Metal production also increased significantly as shown by the large amount of ingots placed in burial mounds.
Chinese records state that from 421, the Five Kings of Wa (Japan) regularly offered tribute to the Southern Dynasties and requested that their military titles in Japan and Korea be recognized in China. The mass-production of metal weapons and armor further suggests the inclusion of Yamato in an international order centered on China.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Visored Helmet | From Otsukayama Tumulus, Gion, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba | Kofun period, 5th century | J-728 | |||
| Haso (Spouted Vessel), Sue Stoneware | From Otsukayama Tumulus, Gion, Kisarazu-shi, Chiba | Kofun period, 5th century | Gift of Mr. Hasegawa Akira J-38337 | ||||
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Iron Shield | Preserved at Isonokami-Jingu, Tenri-shi, Nara | Kofun period, 5th century | Lent by Isonokami Jingu, Nara | On exhibit through December 1, 2019 | |
| Highlight | House-shaped Vessel | Excavated at Daidoji Tumulus, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama | Kofun period, 5th century | J-20087 | On exhibit through December 1, 2019 | ||
| Highlight | Iron Adz | Found at Ōmaruyama Tumulus, Yamanashi | Kofun period, 4th-5th century | J-20465 | On exhibit from December 3, 2019 |