Satellite Tomb No. He of the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku
Location
Sakai, Osaka
Shape
Scallop-shaped mound
Mound length
87 m
Period
Early 5th c.
Designation
National Historic Site
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
Overview
Satellite tomb No. He of Daisen Kofun. At 87m long and 9.8m high at the rear circle, it is the largest scallop-shaped mound in the whole Mozu-Furuichi complex (World Heritage site; Agency for Cultural Affairs). Built in the first half of the 5th century against the outer moat on the west side of Daisen's rear circle, its axis pointing the same way as Daisen's. The rear circle is built in two tiers and a moat runs around it. The rear circle is administered by the IHA as a satellite tomb; the front section and moat are protected as part of the National Historic Site "Mozu Kofun Group".Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). Surrounded by residential development but the mound's earthwork is well preserved.
Finds & research
No excavation has been carried out, owing to IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Only the exterior can be viewed, from the perimeter and the moat side.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Satellite tomb No. He of Daisen Kofun. A scallop-shaped mound 87m long, its rear circle 9.8m high and built in two tiers, dated to the middle of the Middle Kofun period (first half of the 5th century). It is the largest scallop-shaped mound in the Mozu-Furuichi complex, ahead of Magodayuyama (65m) and Tatsusayama (61m). Cylindrical haniwa have been collected from the mound. Owing to access restrictions, the burial facility has not been investigated and its structure is unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as "Satellite Tomb No. He" (sixth satellite) of the Nintoku Mausoleum. Administered as a tobichi — a detached parcel of the main imperial mausoleum, separately enclosed and away from the main precinct.