A keyhole mound in the grounds of Yamatsuteru Shrine at Notose, Maibara. A gilt-bronze crown and horse gear from its rear chamber have prompted a proposed connection to the Okinaga clan.
Finds & research
The rear corridor chamber yielded two mirrors, a gilt-bronze crown, a sword, crystal triple-bead ornaments, and horse gear. A linked-arc mirror and iron sword were reportedly found in the front. The prefectural designation covers part of the finds.
Two views on the occupant
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound about 46m long. Maibara City’s site guide places it in the early 6th century, while another city account dates its horse gear and Sue ware to the early to middle 6th century. Shrine expansion in 1882 exposed a corridor chamber in the rear, yielding two mirrors, a gilt-bronze crown, a sword, crystal triple-bead ornaments, and horse gear. A separate linked-arc mirror and other finds were reportedly recovered from the front. A 1994 survey also found rows of cylindrical, morning-glory, and Iwami-shaped haniwa. The occupant is unidentified; a link to the Okinaga clan is proposed.
Imperial Household Agency view
Not designated by the IHA. Shiga Prefectural Historic Site (1969). Some finds are designated prefectural archaeological properties and are deposited at the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum.
Field notes
The mound is visitable in the shrine grounds (chamber closed); finds at the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum.