#kofun #nara #burialground #kofunperiod #tomb
Located in Sakurai, Nara (奈良県桜井市) this is a unique brick-style kofun stone burial chamber within what is thought to be a circular shaped kofun (the original shape is no longer evident). The walls of the burial chamber were constructed by stacking bricks made from quartz trachyte which have been plastered together in place.
The construction date is estimated to be around the latter half of the 7th century, late in the Kofun period. Similar examples of brick-style tumuli are also known of in the surrounding area, but since there are similarities with the burial system (brick burial chambers) of Baekje and Goguryeo on the Korean peninsula, it is thought that this could be the tomb of a powerful Korean immigrant.
Location : https://maps.app.goo.gl/LbnTCncdF49X3H837
More info : (English) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanayamazuka_Kofun
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Q: What am I watching here ?
A: You are watching footage of a "kofun/古墳" - kofun are tombs in Japan that were created during the Kofun Period (roughly between the 3rd and 7th Century AD) - this era was preceded by the Jomon and Yayoi periods, and followed by Asuka, Nara and so on. These tombs were built as burial chambers for people from Japanese imperial families and other people of higher status in society during those days. The most well-known and generally largest tombs are found around Kyoto and Osaka, but they are found all over Kansai, Kanto, Tohoku etc., and even in other parts of Japan such as Shikoku and Kyushu. Figures vary greatly, but some sources state there are over 160000 of these kofun in Japan. At times you will see haniwa on and around kofun - haniwa are terracotta figures which were made in various shapes, including being formed as people and animals.
Have a read of the the Wikipedia article for more information : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kofun
Ideally I'd like to build a kofun appreciation community of sorts, but that is just a dream right now. You can hit me up on:
https://www.facebook.com/japankofun/
https://www.instagram.com/japankofun/