In a remarkable archaeological discovery, more than 100 ancient bronze mirrors have been unearthed at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound in Sakurai, Nara Prefecture, Japan. This incredible find provides valuable insights into Japan's history and raises questions about the power structures and connections with other ancient civilizations in the region. Let's delve deeper into this exciting discovery and what it means for our understanding of Japan's past.
The Sakurai Chausuyama Kofun
The Sakurai Chausuyama Kofun, also known as the Tobi Chausuyama-kofun Tumulus, is a colossal keyhole-shaped mound constructed during the early Kofun period, which spanned from 250 AD to 552 AD. This tumulus, measuring 207 meters in length, is categorized as an Ekagami-shiki tumulus, characterized by its hand-mirror-shaped front square part. Situated on the left bank of the Hasegawa River in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, this site holds significant historical importance and is designated as a "historic site" by the central government.
A Glimpse into Royal Power
The scale of the findings at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound suggests that the individual buried here wielded immense power and potentially had royal status. Archaeologists examining the mirrors have discovered a variety of mirror types, including what are known as "Himiko's mirrors." These mirrors feature a triangular rim and intricate depictions of gods and animals.
Mirror fragments discovered at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound are shown on top of an image of a triangular-rimmed mirror with gods and animals discovered from another tumulus on Sept. 7 at the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture. When the mirrors are superimposed, it is clear that the artifacts are identical in shape and pattern. Photo: Kenji Shimizu
Himiko, a Queen of Mystery
Himiko, the namesake of these mirrors, is a semi-legendary figure from early third-century Japan. Although absent from Japanese historical records, she briefly appears in Chinese historical texts. Himiko was renowned as a shaman queen who ruled the Yamatai-koku kingdom. However, the exact location of Yamatai remains disputed among scholars.
The Mirrors' Historical Significance
The mirrors discovered at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound include some that were made using the same mold as the Sankakubuchi Shinjukyo mirrors. These mirrors bear inscriptions of Seishi Gannen, representing the first year of the Seishi era, which corresponds to 240 in the Wei-dynasty China's calendar. It is believed that Himiko received 100 mirrors from the Wei dynasty during that year, as recorded in historical texts.
The Power of Central Kingdoms
The recent excavation has provided invaluable information about the central power structures of ancient Japan. Shinya Fukunaga, an archaeology expert from Osaka University, commented that this discovery could significantly alter our understanding of the political structure of the Yamato State.
Photo: Heritage of Japan
A Record-Breaking Discovery
During the course of various excavations at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound, a total of 385 fragments of bronze mirrors have been uncovered. In 2010, a study attributed the finds to 81 bronze mirrors, surpassing the previous record of 40 mirrors found at the Hirabaru archaeological site in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture. However, a recent re-examination of the fragments has led researchers to conclude that at least 103 bronze mirrors were discovered, setting a new record for Japan.
The discovery of more than 100 ancient bronze mirrors at the Sakurai Chausuyama burial mound is a momentous event in Japanese archaeology. These mirrors offer a glimpse into the enigmatic world of Himiko and her kingdom, challenging conventional historical narratives and shedding light on the intricate connections between ancient Japan and other civilizations. As researchers continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding this incredible find, our understanding of Japan's rich and complex history is certain to evolve.
