Nara Pref. Scallop-shaped mound

Otomeyama Kofun

LocationNara Pref.
ShapeScallop-shaped mound
Mound length130 m
PeriodMid 5th c.

Overview

130m scallop-shaped mound in Koryo Town, within Umagami Hills Park.Located within the public Mamikyu Ryoko Park. The romantic name "Otomeyama" (Maiden Hill) is attributed to the graceful shape of the mound. Scallop-shaped mounds are generally considered one rank below keyhole mounds, suggesting this was the tomb of a powerful figure subordinate to Suyama Kofun.

Finds & research

IHA-designated reference site (for Prince Yamato-hiko); excavation prohibited, access restricted. From external survey, the scallop-shaped (hotategai-gata) form with a significantly shortened front section is confirmed. Estimated dimensions: rear circle ~100m diameter, ~13m high; total length ~130m. Confirmed as the largest scallop-shaped mound in Nara Prefecture based on external observation. A tsukuridashi (ritual annex) is reported on the west side of the rear circle, but details are unclear. Burial chamber and grave goods unconfirmed. Within the 5th-century Umagami group, this mound is considered the leading example of the scallop form in scale and status.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Occupant unknown. Scallop-shaped mound in the Umagami group.
Imperial Household Agency view
Designated by the IHA Shoryobu bureau as a mausoleum reference site (Ryobo Sankochi) for Prince Yamato-hiko, son of Emperor Suinin and brother of Prince Inishiki. As a reference site, excavation is prohibited and public access is restricted. The mound is adjacent to Umagami Hills Park but the mound itself is off-limits. The IHA's identification of Prince Yamato-hiko is considered weakly supported by archaeological dating.
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Sources

Wikipedia広陵町教育委員会宮内庁奈良県歴史文化資源データベース

Related kofun

Hashihaka Kofun (280m) Nishitonozuka Kofun (230m) Higashitonozuka Kofun (139m) Andonzan Kofun (242m) Shibuyamukaiyama Kofun (300m) Kurozuka Kofun (130m)
← Suyama Kofun Niiyama Kofun →