Spiritual Power of Comma-Shaped Beads in Unique Forms
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Comma-Shaped Bead (Magatama) with Smaller Beads
Found at the Katonboyama Tumulus, Osaka, Kofun period, 5th centuryJapanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
June 25, 2024 (Tue) - December 22, 2024 (Sun)Comma-shaped beads called magatama were generally threaded to be worn as accessories. Their varieties include beads that were formed as if several smaller beads were attached to the main beads. Created in many parts of the Japanese archipelago roughly between the mid-400s and 600s, magatama beads of this type were intended for ritual use. Based on their forms that appear to symbolize parents and children, it is speculated that these uniquely shaped magatama beads were used for rituals associated with fertility and reproduction.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Comma-Shaped Bead ("Magatama") with Smaller Beads | Found at the Katonboyama Tumulus, Osaka | Kofun period, 5th century | J-36628-3 | |||
| Highlight | Comma-Shaped Bead ("Magatama") with Smaller Beads | Found in Takasaki City, Gunma | Kofun period, 6th century | J-9924 |