Wakayama Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Hirai No.1 Kofun and Hirai Haniwa Kiln Site Group

LocationWakayama Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length22 m
PeriodLate 6th–7th c.

Overview

Composite site in Wakayama City: keyhole mound (~22m) and two haniwa kilns — Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site (2016). The only site in Wakayama that directly proves the link between a kofun and its haniwa production facility. Kiln finds parallel the shaped haniwa of the Iwahashi Senzuka group, suggesting this was a dedicated supply kiln for that group.

Finds & research

Quiver-shaped haniwa (yanagui-gata), double-leg ring-pattern haniwa, kiln walls, charcoal fuel.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Composite site in Hirai, Wakayama City: a keyhole mound ~22m long and two adjacent haniwa kilns. Late 6th–7th century. Though small in mound scale, this is the only site in Wakayama Prefecture that directly demonstrates the relationship between a kofun and its haniwa production facility. The kilns yielded quiver-shaped haniwa (yanagui-gata) and double-leg ring-pattern haniwa, forms closely paralleling the shaped haniwa of the Iwahashi Senzuka group, suggesting Hirai served as a supply kiln for that group. An indispensable site for understanding the production and distribution network behind the Iwahashi Senzuka Kofun Group.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Wakayama Prefectural Historic Site (designated 2016).

Field notes

About 15 min by car from Kii Fudoki-no-Oka (adjacent to the Iwahashi Senzuka group). For enthusiasts, a unique opportunity to visit the site that "supplied" haniwa to the Iwahashi Senzuka group.

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Sources

和歌山県教育委員会わかやまの文化財Wikipedia和歌山県教育委員会(わかやまの文化財)

Related kofun

Tennotsuka Kofun (88m) Dainichizan No.35 Kofun (86m) Inbe Hachimanyama Kofun (70m) Otaniyama No.22 Kofun (68m) Shogunduka Kofun (43m) Ibe No.1 Kofun (35m)
← Kanzutsuka Kofun Shimaizumi Hiratsuka Kofun →