Izumizaki Cave Tomb
The Izumizaki Yokoana Kofun (泉崎横穴古墳) is an archaeological site containing a Kofun period Corridor-type kofun (横穴式石室, yokoana-shiki sekishitsu) located in the village of Izumizaki, Fukushima in the southern Tōhoku region of northern Japan. was granted protection as a National Historic Site in 1934.[1]
泉崎横穴古墳 | |
 Izumizaki Yokoana Kofun | |
 .svg.png){kind=icon} Izumizaki Yokoana Kofun  Izumizaki Cave Tomb (Japan) | |
| Location | Izumizaki, Fukushima, Japan |
|---|---|
| Region | Tōhoku region |
| Coordinates | 37°09′9.7″N 140°19′2.0″E |
| Type | cave tomb |
| History | |
| Founded | early 7th century AD |
| Periods | Kofun period |
| Site notes | |
| Excavation dates | 1933 |
| Public access | No |
Overview
The cave-tomb dates from the end of the 6th century to the beginning of the 7th century. It is located on the slope of a tuff hill on the northern shore of the Izumi River, and was discovered in 1933 during the prefectural road expansion work, and was the first decorative cave tomb found in the Tōhoku region.
The tomb is approximately 2.1 meters square and has a 1.15 meter house-shaped opening and domed ceiling. It is significant in that it is a decorated kofun with depictions of men, women, animals, boats, horses and eddy patterns, painted in red on the back wall, side walls, and ceiling of the burial chamber.[2] Such decorated kofun occur primary in Kyushu, and this is the northernmost example yet discovered and indicates the penetration of Kofun period culture into lands traditionally considered part of the Emishi cultural zone. A small number of grave goods were recovered, including straight swords and copper rings
The tomb is one of a group of seven which were discovered at the same time, but was the only one of the group which was decorated. The tomb does not appear in any historical records and the name of rank of the person buried within is unknown; however, as it is located only two kilometers from the Shirakawa Kanga ruins, it may have been the tomb of a leader of a gōzoku clan ruling this area before it came under full Yamato control.
The site is located about 30 minutes on foot from Izumizaki Station on the JR East Tōhoku Main Line. It is normally closed, but a mural full-size photo panel is on display at the Izumizaki Museum in front of Izumizaki Station.
References
- "泉崎横穴古墳". Cultural Heritage Online (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Retrieved 5 December 2018.
- Frederick, Louis (2005). Japan Encyclopedia. Harvard University Press. p. 412. ISBN 0674017536.
External links
- Izumizaki village home page (in Japanese)