Saijō Kofun Cluster

The Saijō Kofun cluster (西条古墳群) is a group of three kofun burial mounds located in the Yamate neighborhood of the city of Kakogawa, Hyōgo Prefecture, in the Kansai region of Japan. The tumuli were collectively designated a National Historic Site in 1973.[1]

Saijō Kofun cluster
西条古墳群
Gyōjazuka Kofun within the Saijō Kofun cluster
Location in Japan
Location in Japan
Saijō Kofun cluster
Location in Japan
Location in Japan
Saijō Kofun Cluster (Japan)
LocationKakogawa, Hyōgo, Japan
RegionKansai region
Coordinates34°46′54.95″N 134°53′18.10″E
TypeKofun
History
Foundedlate 4th - mid-5th century AD
PeriodsKofun period
Site notes
Public accessYes

Overview

The Saijō Kofun cluster is located on a long terrace extending north from the Innanno Plateau on the east bank of the Kakogawa River, about ten kilometers from the river's mouth. The cluster consisted of dozens of tumuli, but most were destroyed due to the development of residential land, and now only three remain. An archaeological excavation was conducted in 1995-1996

The Gyōjazuka Kofun (行者塚古墳) is a zenpō-kōen-fun (前方後円墳), which is shaped like a keyhole, having one square end and one circular end, when viewed from above. It is orientated to the southwest and has an overall length of around 99 meters, making it the largest in Kakogawa City and one of the largest in the Harima region. On the surface of the mound, in addition to fukiishi, a row of cylindrical haniwa can be seen. In addition, two extensions on the left and right of the mound constriction and two locations on the rear circle exist, which are believed to have had a ceremonial purpose, as representational haniwa have been found. The tumulus's surrounded by a double moat. The burial facilities in the posterior circular portion consist of three clay burials, which have not been investigated. Two more burials were found in the anterior portion, which included grave goods such as gold and copper engraved metal fittings, an iron ax, tubular bronze products, horse harness, and iron swords. It is estimated that this burial mound was built in the middle of the Kofun period, around the end of the 4th century to early 5th century. The horse harness is the oldest to have been discovered in the Kinai region of Japan, and the style of the grave goods indicates a strong cultural connection with the Korean Peninsula and mainland Asia.[2]

The Hitozuka Kofun (人塚古墳) and the Amazuka Kofun (尼塚古墳) are both large circular enpun (円墳)-style mounds, surrounded yay moats. Neither has been excavated, but they are believed to date from the 5th century.[2]

The site is open to the public as an archaeological park, and is located about a 15-minute walk from Kanno Station on the JR West Kakogawa Line.[2]

Saijō Kofun cluster
Name Location Type Size Date
Gyōjazuka Kofun34°46′54.95″N 134°53′18.10″Ekeyholelength 99m
posterior circular portion: 68 m dia
anterior width:55m		late 4 - early 5th C
Hitozuka Kofun34°47′0.70″N 134°53′10.05″ECirculardia 61.5m
height10.4m		early 5th C
Amazuka Kofun34°46′53.75″N 134°53′11.90″ECirculardiameter45m
height 6m		mid-5th C
  • Gyōjazuka Kofun
    Gyōjazuka Kofun
  • Gyōjazuka Kofun, ceremonial platform
    Gyōjazuka Kofun, ceremonial platform
  • Hitozuka Kofun
    Hitozuka Kofun
  • Amazuka Kofun
    Amazuka Kofun
  • Artifacts recovered from the Gyōjazuka Kofun
    Artifacts recovered from the Gyōjazuka Kofun

See also

References
  1. "西条古墳群" [Saijō Kofun-gun] (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved August 31, 2020.
  2. Isomura, Yukio; Sakai, Hideya (2012). (国指定史跡事典) National Historic Site Encyclopedia. 学生社. ISBN 4311750404.(in Japanese)

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