Kannondaira-Tenjindō Kofun Group
観音平・天神堂古墳群 | |
  Kannondaira-Tenjindō Kofun group  Kannondaira-Tenjindō Kofun Group (Japan) | |
| Location | Myōkō, Niigata, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Hokuriku region |
| Coordinates | 37°03′36″N 138°13′55″E / 37.06000°N 138.23194°E |
| Type | Kofun, settlement |
| Area | 101,160 sq meters |
| History | |
| Founded | Kofun period |
| Site notes | |
| Ownership | National Historic Site |
| Public access | Yes |
Kannondaira-Tenjindō Kofun group (観音平・天神堂古墳群, Kannondaira-Tenjindō Kofun-gun) is an archaeological site containing two separate groups of early-middle Kofun period burial tumulii located in what is now part of the city of Myōkō, Niigata in the Hokuriku region of Japan. The site was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1978.[1]
Overview
The site consists of two separate groups of kofun, located approximately one kilometer apart, located approximately 10 minutes by car from Arai Station on the JR Shinetsu Main Line.
The Kannondaira Site consists of three groups of approximately 53 kofun, including one keyhole-shaped tomb dating from the 3rd century. Most of the tombs are dome-shaped, although one is scallop-shaped and some are square-shaped, indicating that the site is from a transitional period between the Yayoi period and the Kofun period. Haniwa and fukiishi have been recovered from the area. The keyhole-shaped tomb is No.4 in the group, and has a total length of 33.6 meters, with a dome-portion measuring 19.0 x 23.0 meters, and a trapezoidal portion with length of 11.6 meters and width of 7.0 meters, narrowing to 50 meters at the "neck" where it connects with the dome. No grave goods were found in this tomb.
The Tenjindō Site also consists of three groups of kofun, of which 188 have thus far been catalogued, making it one of the largest sites in Niigata Prefecture. Almost all are small and dome-shaped, with diameters between five and 20 meters. The site has been repeatedly excavated by Tokyo University. Grave goods recovered include Sue ware, bronze mirrors, straight iron swords, parts of armor, horse fittings and items of jewellery. From these grave goods, it is estimated that these tombs were constructed from the late 5th century to the late 6th century.
The sites are open to the public as an archaeological park, and has a small museum to display some of the artefacts found.
See also
References
- ^ "観音平・天神堂古墳群" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- Myōkō city official home page (in Japanese)