★ World HeritageHabikino / Fujiidera, OsakaKeyhole-shaped mound
Otorizuka Kofun
(Outside IHA jurisdiction)
Location
Habikino / Fujiidera, Osaka
Shape
Keyhole-shaped mound
Mound length
110 m
Period
Late 4th c. (Fujiidera); mid-5th c. (ACA)
Designation
National Historic Site
World Heritage
Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group (UNESCO)
Overview
A keyhole mound 110m long with a rear circle 12.3m high, built on the western edge of a north-south plateau with its front section facing south. Its construction is unusual: three tiers on the rear circle and two on the front section, with a notably high rear circle. Projections stand on both sides of the waist, and a narrow horseshoe-shaped moat surrounds the mound. The moat is thought never to have held water and is preserved underground. Fujiidera City dates it to the late 4th century, while the Agency for Cultural Affairs assigns it to the middle phase of the Middle Kofun period. Part of the National Historic Site Furuichi Kofun Group, it is a constituent monument of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2019.
Finds & research
A clay-encased burial is reported in the rear circle, furnished with iron swords, blades, spears and arrowheads. A bronze mirror and an iron sword from the front section suggest another burial facility; one further bronze mirror is also reported. Cylindrical and figural haniwa have been recovered, and a helmet-shaped haniwa found nearby is also known.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
Occupant unknown. Fujiidera City dates it to the late 4th century and the Agency for Cultural Affairs to the middle of the Middle Kofun period; it stands just south of Komuroyama Kofun (150m). The mound is 110m long with a rear circle 12.3m high, and its construction is unusual for the complex — three tiers on the rear circle, two on the front section, with the rear circle notably tall. A clay-encased burial is reported in the rear circle, furnished with iron weapons: swords, blades, spears and arrowheads. A bronze mirror and an iron sword from the front section suggest a burial there as well. When built, the slopes were faced with stone and cylindrical haniwa stood along the flat terraces.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not managed by the IHA. Administered by Fujiidera City as a national historic site. Not listed in the IHA register. Archaeological excavation has been conducted; the exterior is accessible for viewing. Protected under Fujiidera City's historic site development program.