★ World Heritage Sakai, Osaka Scallop-shaped mound

Zeniduka Kofun

LocationSakai, Osaka
ShapeScallop-shaped mound
Mound length72 m
Period5th c.
World HeritageMozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)

Overview

A scallop-shaped mound (72m long), presumed satellite of Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun. 5th century. Not designated by the IHA; managed by Sakai City. A well-preserved mid-sized scallop mound in the southern Mozu group. The name "Zeniduka" hints at folk tradition of finding ancient coins here.Constituent monument of the "Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group" UNESCO WHS (2019). "Zeniduka" (Coin Mound) is a naming pattern found at ancient burial sites across Japan, reflecting folk recognition of these places as sources of metal objects (mirrors, swords, ornaments). In the World Heritage nomination, individual accessory mounds like Zeniduka contribute to the Outstanding Universal Value of the 5th-century burial complex as a whole, serving as systematic evidence of continental cultural exchange and burial customs.

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
A scallop-shaped satellite mound (72m long). 5th century. Located southwest of Kamiishizu Misanzai Kofun (365m), suggesting a satellite relationship. A mid-sized scallop mound with a clearly distinguished tsukuridashi projection and rear circle. The name "Zeniduka" (Coin Mound) traditionally derives from stories of ancient coins or metal objects found here, possibly reflecting folk memory of grave goods discovered at the site.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Managed by the Sakai City Board of Education. Not an IHA-designated site. Protected by Sakai City as a World Heritage constituent monument.
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Sources

堺市教育委員会百舌鳥・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)
← Hataduka Kofun Terayama Minamiyama Kofun →