Nara Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound IHA imperial tomb

Nishitonozuka Kofun

Also known as: Mausoleum of Princess Teshirakahime
LocationNara Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length230 m
PeriodLate 3rd c.
DesignationImperial Mausoleum (IHA)
IHA designationIHA-managed (no public entry)

Overview

A large early keyhole mound in the Yamato Kofun Group. Its Imperial designation and archaeological dating are treated separately.

Finds & research

Cylindrical haniwa were reported from the 1992–1994 investigations, and special pedestal-shaped vessels from Imperial Household Agency work. The internal burial facility and grave goods are unknown.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
An approximately 230m keyhole mound at Nakayama, Tenri, dating to the first half of the Early Kofun period in the late 3rd century. Investigations around the mound in 1992–1994 recovered cylindrical haniwa, while Imperial Household Agency work has reported special pedestal-shaped vessels. The burial facility and occupant are unknown.
Imperial Household Agency view
The Imperial Household Agency designates and manages it as Fusumada Mausoleum of Princess Tashiraka, empress of Emperor Keitai. Its archaeological date in the late 3rd century does not align with the 6th-century princess, but the actual occupant remains unverified.

Field notes

The mound is closed as an Imperial mausoleum. View it only from surrounding public roads and other authorized areas.

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Sources

天理市 西殿塚古墳宮内庁書陵部 西殿塚古墳関係報告

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonyama Kofun (242m) Shibutanimukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m) Sakurai Chausuyama Kofun (207m)
← Hashihaka Kofun Higashitonozuka Kofun →