Osaka Pref. Keyhole-shaped mound

Kurohimeyama Kofun

(Outside IHA jurisdiction)
LocationOsaka Pref.
ShapeKeyhole-shaped mound
Mound length114 m
PeriodMid-5th c.
DesignationNational Historic Site

Overview

A two-tiered keyhole mound between the Mozu and Furuichi groups. It is 114m long; the front section is 65m wide and 11.6m high, while the rear circle is 64m across and 11m high. Built in the mid-5th century, it became a National Historic Site in 1957 and was reused as a fortification in the medieval period.

Finds & research

The pit-style stone chamber in the center of the front section yielded 24 cuirasses and 24 helmets, as well as numerous iron swords and other weapons. Some of the armor is displayed at the Sakai City Mihara Museum of History. The rear-circle burial facility was destroyed by looting.

Two views on the occupant

Archaeological view
Excavation beginning in 1947 uncovered a pit-style stone chamber in the center of the front section, yielding 24 sets of armor and large quantities of iron arms and weapons. The burial facility in the rear circle had been destroyed by looting. Sakai City attributes construction to the Tajihi clan, which was powerful locally in the mid-5th century.
Imperial Household Agency view
This is neither an Imperial Household Agency mausoleum nor a mausoleum reference site. Located in Sakai's Mihara Ward, it was designated a National Historic Site on October 24, 1957. Sakai City attributes its construction to the Tajihi clan, but the individual buried there is unidentified.

Field notes

The historic-site park has an interpretation facility. There is no parking, so visitors should use public transport.

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Sources

堺市 黒姫山古墳堺市立みはら歴史博物館 黒姫山古墳の出土武具・武器文化庁 文化遺産オンライン 黒姫山古墳大阪府 史跡黒姫山古墳歴史の広場

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← Kawachi Otsukayama Kofun Shionjiyama Kofun →