★ World Heritage Sakai, Osaka Scallop-shaped mound

Maruhoyama Kofun

LocationSakai, Osaka
ShapeScallop-shaped mound
Mound length87 m
Period5th c.
World HeritageMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)

Overview

The largest scallop-shaped satellite mound of Daisen Kofun (No. He, 87m). 5th century. Located north of the main mound with surrounding moat. The small square "tsukuridashi" projection characteristic of scallop mounds is thought to have served as a ritual platform.Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). The name "Maruhoyama" may allude to the prominently rounded rear circle. As the largest scallop-form satellite of Daisen Kofun, the occupant is presumed to have held a position of close and high-ranking subordination to the main burial. Surrounded by residential development but the mound's earthwork is well preserved.

Finds & research

No excavation permitted under IHA mausoleum regulations. Internal structure and grave goods remain unknown. Exterior viewable from public paths.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Satellite tomb No. He (sixth) of Daisen Kofun. A scallop-shaped mound, 87m long. 5th century. Larger than the other scallop-form satellites (Magotayuyama 65m, Ryuzayama 61m), placing it among the larger satellite mounds. The scallop form adds a small square projection to a round mound, thought to have provided a platform for funerary ritual. The burial chamber (stone cist) is presumed in the rear circle, but details are unknown due to IHA restrictions.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as "Satellite Tomb No. He" (sixth satellite) of the Nintoku Mausoleum. Administered as a "detached" appendage (hirokuchi) of the main imperial mausoleum, i.e. on a separately enclosed parcel distant from the main enclosure.
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Sources

宮内庁百舌鳥・古市古墳群 公式サイト

Related kofun

Daisen Kofun (525m) Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m) Haji Nisanzai Kofun (300m) Gobyoyama Kofun (203m) Tadeiyama Kofun (148m) Itasuke Kofun (146m)
← Ryuzayama Kofun Chayama Kofun →