Tomb Sculptures (Haniwa) and Funerary Rites
"Tomb Sculptures (Haniwa) and Funerary Rites"
The advent of burial mounds coincided with the emergence of a specific kind of tomb sculpture, called haniwa. These sculptures are assumed to have played an important role in ancient funerary rites, and were a common feature of burial mounds until the practice declined after early societies abandoned the construction of colossal, keyhole-shaped burial mounds. This section of the gallery features house-shaped tomb sculptures, which were the dominant type during the 5th century. The lineup also includes illustrative examples of three other types of tomb sculptures: those in the shapes of weapons and household items, cylindrical sculptures, and wooden sculptures.
| Designation | Name | Amount | Creation Excavation | Period | Acquisition Ownership | Comment | |
| Highlight | Important Cultural Property | Tomb Sculpture ("Haniwa"): Boat | Found at Saitobaru Burial Mounds, Miyazaki | Kofun period, 5th century | J-21498 | ||
| Highlight | Tomb Sculpture ("Haniwa"): Walled Ritual Space | Found at Akabori Chausuyama Tumulus, Gunma | Kofun period, 5th century | J-21146 | |||
| Highlight | Lid | Kofun period, 5th century | J-6490 |