Satellite Tomb No. Ni (detached parcel) of the Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku
Location
Sakai, Osaka
Shape
Square mound
Mound length
26 m
Period
Early 5th c.
Designation
Imperial Satellite Tomb (IHA)
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
Overview
Satellite tomb "Ni" (No. 4) of Daisen Kofun: a square mound, 26m or more per side and 5.4m high, built in the first half of the 5th century about 20m outside the outer moat on the west of Daisen Kofun's front section, its axis parallel to that moat. It is the only surviving square mound among those raised around Daisen. Built in two tiers, it is separated from Daisen's outer moat by a ditch-like feature preserved underground. It is a constituent monument of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2019.
Finds & research
Details of the burial facility and grave goods are unknown. Cylindrical haniwa have been recovered from the ditch-like feature between the mound and Daisen Kofun's outer moat.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A satellite of Daisen Kofun: a square mound 26m or more per side and 5.4m high, built in two tiers in the middle of the Middle Kofun period (first half of the 5th century). It is the only square mound still surviving among those raised around Daisen, which is why it is regarded as a valuable case. Cylindrical haniwa are recovered from the ditch-like feature between it and Daisen's outer moat.
Imperial Household Agency view
Managed by the IHA as "Satellite Tomb No. Ni" (fourth in the iroha sequence) of the Nintoku Mausoleum. "Ni" is the fourth kana in the iroha order. A square satellite mound is unusual compared to keyhole, scallop, or round forms, and has drawn attention as a form indicating a distinct status of its own. Managed as a detached parcel of the main mausoleum.