★ World Heritage Sakai, Osaka Scallop-shaped mound

Osamezuka Kofun

(Not designated by the IHA)
LocationSakai, Osaka
ShapeScallop-shaped mound
Mound length59 m
PeriodEarly 5th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site
World HeritageMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)

Overview

A scallop-shaped mound near the south-east corner of Daisen Kofun's front section. Its length is given as 59m by the World Heritage site, 58m when reconstructed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and 57.7m by Sakai City; the rear circle is 4.2m high. Built in the first half of the 5th century with its axis parallel to Daisen's outer moat and its front section facing west, its position and orientation suggest a connection with the great mound. The rear circular section was built in two tiers. It forms part of the National Historic Site Mozu Kofun Group and became a constituent monument of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group World Heritage Site in 2019.

Finds & research

Small cylindrical haniwa were set along the terrace of the rear circle, and fukiishi were confirmed on the front section; the moat has yielded cylindrical haniwa and Sue ware. Grave goods are unknown, but fragments of an iron cuirass are recorded as having been scattered on the summit. The moat is now buried, with its trace marked along the road on the east side.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A scallop-shaped mound associated with Daisen Kofun. Its length is 59m per the World Heritage site, 58m as reconstructed by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, and 57.7m per Sakai City. The rear circle is 4.2m high and built in two tiers. Dated to the middle of the Middle Kofun period (first half of the 5th century). Located near the south-east corner of Daisen's front, its geographic proximity suggests a satellite relationship. The scallop form is a modified keyhole shape that flourished in the Mozu and Furuichi groups during the 5th century. It is a mid-sized example of the scallop form, suggesting a middle-ranking occupant.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Preserved and managed by the Sakai City Board of Education. Not listed as an IHA mausoleum or reference site. It is one mound within the nationally designated Historic Site "Mozu Kofun Group" and became a UNESCO World Heritage constituent monument in 2019.
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Sources

堺市 古墳データベース「収塚古墳」百舌鳥・古市古墳群 公式サイト文化庁 文化遺産オンライン(世界遺産構成資産解説)

Related kofun

Daisen Kofun (486m) Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m) Haze Nisanzai Kofun (300m) Gobyoyama Kofun (203m) Tadeiyama Kofun (148m) Itasuke Kofun (146m)
← Tsukamawari Kofun Dogameyama Kofun →