Masters of Maritime Access: A Closer Look of the Figures Entombed in the Uenoyama Tumulus
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Horse Cheek Plates with Bells
Found at the Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi, Kofun period, 5th–6th century (Gift of Toyonishi-village, Yamaguchi)UpcomingJapanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Japanese Archaeology Gallery
April 8, 2026 (Wed) - December 6, 2026 (Sun)The Uenoyama Tumulus stands at a critical location,connecting trade routes over land and sea. The Yamato Kingship relied on ships and horses to transport goods and thus lavished the rulers entombed in the Uenoyama Tumulus with valuable items. Burial goods include objects with bells believed to have supernatural powers as well as swords and armor, suggesting the tomb’s occupants were men of military might.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Horse Cheek Plates with Bells | Found at the Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | Gift of Toyonishi-village, Yamaguchi, J-5795 | |||
| Highlight | Mirror with Six Bells | Found at the Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | Gift of Toyonishi-shimo village, Yamaguchi, J-5797 | |||
| Highlight | Bracelet with Bells | Found at the Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | Gift of Toyonishi-shimo village, Yamaguchi, J-5794 | |||
| Highlight | Comma-Shaped Beads (Magatama) | Found at the Uenoyama Tumulus, Yamaguchi | Kofun period, 5th–6th century | Gift of Toyonishi Village, Yamaguchi prefecture, J-5788 |