Shiga Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Yukinoyama Kofun

LocationShiga Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length70 m
PeriodEarly 4th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site

Overview

A keyhole mound on Mt. Yukino at the border of Omihachiman, Higashiomi, and Ryuo. Mirrors, weapons, and lacquer objects from its unlooted pit-style chamber provide important evidence of early Kofun-period burial practice.

Finds & research

Unlooted pit-style chamber (6.1m interior length); five mirrors including three triangular-rimmed examples, 96 bronze arrowheads, iron arrowheads, a hoe-shaped stone, and lacquer objects. The finds are nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
A roughly 70m, two-tiered keyhole mound on Mt. Yukino. Two burial facilities lie side by side in the rear; the eastern, unlooted pit-style chamber, 6.1m long inside, was excavated. Investigations following the 1989 discovery found five bronze mirrors, including three triangular-rimmed examples, 96 bronze arrowheads, a hoe-shaped stone, and lacquer objects. The Agency for Cultural Affairs dates construction broadly to the early 4th century from the grave goods; the Higashiomi archaeological center says the first half of that century, while the city park guide says the middle of the century.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. National Historic Site (2014); the finds were designated Important Cultural Properties in 2001.

Field notes

A hiking trail leads to the summit mound. Yukinoyama Historical Park and the Hachimansha Kofun Cluster lie at the foot. The burial chamber is not open to visitors.

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Sources

文化庁 国指定文化財等データベース・雪野山古墳文化庁 文化遺産オンライン・出土品東近江市埋蔵文化財センター・雪野山古墳東近江市 雪野山歴史公園・別の築造時期

Related kofun

Mausoleum of Emperor Kobun Azuchi-Hyotanyama Kofun (136m) Kabutoyama Kofun (30m) Zeze-Chausuyama Kofun (120m) Kojinyama Kofun (124m) Kamo-Inariyama Kofun (45m)
← Mino Kofun Group Tanaka-Ozuka Kofun →