Unheimlich Japan: December 2009

古墳 Kofun Pamphlet Frames 2, 3, 4, originally uploaded by ⓣⓨⓁⓔⓡ～＊.

Pg 2 (Inside)

Ooba-Niwatori Zuka (pg 2 1st paragraph)

The large square tumulus is located along Route 432 by a housing complex. There are projections on the south and west of the tumulus. The base of the two-tiered tumulus is 42 meters and its height is 10 meters. Although there has not been research to date about the stone chamber inside, the tumulus and the surrounding ditch have been intact and maintain their original shape. Legend has it that a golden rooster sings in the tumulus every New Year.

Mukouyama Tumulus No. 1 (pg 2 2nd paragraph)

Located between residential areas on the slope of a mountain, this burial mound was once destroyed, and it is hardly recognizeable today. However, archeological research revealed that this kofun was over 30 meters in length. Within the mound, beautiful, refurbished stone was used to make the sekishitsu (a stone burial chamber). This particular kofun has a sekkan-shiki-sekishitsu (a stone chamber with a sarcophagus). The sekkan-shiki-sekishitsu, which is unique to the Izumo region, is well-preserved. The chamber includes a stone tumulus of unique designs and a stone door with the embossed kannuki (a stone latch) design. This mounded tumulus was built in the second half of the sixth century possibly for a very important lord, based on the ceramics and other artifacts found inside.

Chausu Mountain (pg 2 3rd paragraph)

According to Izumo-koku Fudoki, “The Izumo Gazetteer,” this mountain was named Kannabinu (height: 171m, 594ft). This mountain has been greatly respected since ancient times. The mountain looks like beautiful Mount Fuji when seen from the west. In the middle ages, the entire mountaintop served as a castle fortress in itself, surrounded by what you can now see has become an old, dry moat. The top of the mountain is a 30-minute climb, from which you get a panoramic view of the area, giving insight into the world of the old Izumo-koku Fudoki, a beautiful sight indeed.

The Yamashiro-futagozuka-kofun (pg 2 4th paragraph)

Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun is the largest zenpo-kohofun (two conjoined rectangle mounds) in Shimane Prefecture and one of the largest in Japan. It is said that it was dedicated to one of Izumo Kokuso (the regional leader of the Yamato Court from the Izumo family). In 1925, Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun made history by becoming the first tumulus to be called a zenpo-kohofun.

The Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun measures 94 meters long, or 150 meters including the moat. The tumulus is constructed with two tiers whose sides are covered with fuki-ishi (paving stones) and clay cylindrical Haniwa (burial mound figures). Along the perimeter of the zenpo-kohofun is a moat measuring 7 meters wide and 2 meters deep, which separates the tumulus from the surrounding area. Yamashiro Futagozuka Kofun was built in the middle of the 6th century C.E. During this same period, Dainenji Kofun was also built. It measures 90 meters in length. It is thought these two kofun were constructed by two powerful clans of the Izumo plain.

Pg 3

[Map]

Shimane Prefecture's Largest Tumulus: The Yamashiro-futagozuka-kofun (pg 3 paragraph 1)

Yakumo-tatsu Fudoki-no Oka (Yakumo Cloud Rising Fudoki Hill) is a region which was the political center of ancient Izumo. Located within Shimane Prefecture, it is the foremost amongst historical sites. In particular, within the Yamashiro Futagozuka area, lies the Oba-Yamashiro Cluster of Tumulus (kofun-gun). This kofun-gun holds many tumulus for eminent men. Many kofun of great proportions are concentrated in this region.

Pg 4

Yamashiro-go Shoso Ato (Yamashiro Warehouse Ruins) (pg 4 paragraph 1)

Located on the northeastern side of the Oba Crossroads, the ruins of public storage were used in the Nara Period (710-794) to store the inamomi (rice tax). Izumo-koku Fudoki records, "(It is located) 3 ri and 120 po on the northwest of Gun-ke in Yamashiro-gun. Located here is a public storage." Buildings supported by pillars of 50 cm in diameter in 1 square meter pillar holes must have commanded a suitable view of storage facilities. Their neighborhood was called Choja-gen (Plain for the Rich). Carbonized rice was discovered in this region, and episodes about wealthy people have been handed down.

Yamashiro-go Kita Shinzoin (Kurumi Temple Ruins) (pg 4 2nd paragraph 2)

With its ruins located at the northwestern foot of Mt. Cha'usu and on the north of Koto Junior High School in Matsue, Kurumi Temple was believed to be one of the new temples in Yamashiro-go according to Izumo-koku Fudoki and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the eastern part of Izumo along with Kyokoji Temple. Archeological research unveiled four bases, traces of three Buddhist deities, and dais for a Buddha image. Fragments show that these Buddha images were made of clay. Plain tiles, roof charms, wind bells, and ornamental tiles were uncovered as well. All over this neighborhood, which was called the arears is made of gold, with traces of a dais for a clay Buddha. Only parts of this Buddha have been found. There were three tiles in the temple. One of the tiles is called the Oni tile, or Demon tile. There was also a bronze Buddhist bell in the ruins.

by

Pate Motter
Matthew Midgett
Michael Carlson
Tyler Callich
Minako Hiroe
Kaoru Onishi
Ryoko Shishido
Saki Nagata
(Unfamiliar Japan Honors Project)

Unheimlich Japan

Friday, December 18, 2009

古墳 Kofun Pamphlet Frame 5, 6, 1

古墳 Kofun Pamphlet Frames 2, 3, 4

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