Sōja Futagoyama Kofun
Sōja Futagoyama Kofun (総社二子山古墳) is a Kofun period keyhole-shaped burial mound located in what is now the city of Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture in the northern Kantō region of Japan. It was designated a National Historic Site of Japan in 1927.[1]It is the largest kofun in Gunma Prefecture and the 28th largest in the country. It is the only kofun with a length in excess of 200 meters in eastern Japan.. It is also sometimes referred to as the Dantaiyama Kofun (男体山古墳).
総社二子山古墳 | |
 Sōja Futagoyama Kofun | |
 .svg.png.webp){kind=icon} Sōja Futagoyama Kofun  Sōja Futagoyama Kofun (Japan) | |
| Location | Maebashi, Gunma, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Kantō region |
| Coordinates | 36°24′41″N 139°2′5.3″E |
| Type | kofun |
| History | |
| Founded | late 6th century |
| Periods | Kofun period |
| Site notes | |
| Public access | Yes (Park) |
Overview
The tumulus is located on a plain near the southeastern slopes of Mount Haruna, and is one of a cluster of kofun tumuli in the area. It has a total length of 89.9 meters and was built in two tiers, orientated to the west. The surface was originally covered in fukiishi with rows of cylindrical haniwa. It is unknown if the tumulus had a moat. Although the detailed structure of the mound has not been investigated yet, it is known to have two burial chambers, one in the posterior circular portion and one in the anterior rectangular portion. The burial chamber in the circular portion is 9.4 meters long by 3.4 meters wide and has walls made of large dressed blocked of andesite, although the ceiling has collapsed. The one in the rectangular portion is lined with natural stones and is 8.76 meters long by 2.22 meters wide. From the stonework, it is estimated that this kofun was built in the late 6th century, or towards the end of the Kofun period.
The tomb was opened in then mid-Edo period, and many grave goods including bronze and iron swords, magatama beads and Sue ware earthenware pottery were recovered. A few of these artifacts are preserved at the Tokyo National Museum, but most have been lost over the years.
In 1874, in response to a Meiji government project to find the grave of the legendary Toyoki-irihiko no Mikoto, the founder of Keno Province mentioned in the Nara period Nihon Shoki chronicle, Gunma Prefecture officially submitted the Sōja Futagoyama Kofun as a possible candidate. This petition was denied by the Imperial Household Agency due to lack of evidence, and due to publicity received by findings at the Maefutago Kofun which was believed at the time to have a better claim.
- Overall length: 89.9 meters
- Posterior circular portion: 44 meter diameter x 7.5 meters high
- Anterior rectangular portion: 61 meters wide x 8 meters high
References
- "二子山古墳" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- Maebashi City official guide (in Japanese)