The mysterious sword and large bronze mirror found in an ancient Kofun tomb in Japan are considered invaluable relics, believed to have been used to ward off evil spirits.
According to Ashahi, the unusually shaped mirror and sword, which measures over 2 meters in length, were discovered at the Tomiomaruyama burial mound, the largest round Kofun tomb in Japan, constructed in the latter half of the 4th century.
The Kofun Period is a historical era in Japan characterized by distinctive burial customs, leading to the term being used to refer to these ancient round burial mounds.
“The Sword of the Giant” found in an ancient mound as grand as itself – (Photo: Kashihara Archaeological Institute).
“I am curious about the condition of the person buried with these objects, as this individual was interred with a very unusual sword and mirror. There are high expectations for the research into the items inside the coffin,” said Seigo Wada, Director of the Hyogo Prefectural Archaeological Museum, who consulted on the excavation.
According to Heritage Daily, the sword is a type of Japanese “dakoken” but is unusually long, measuring up to 2.3 meters, resembling a weapon made for a giant. The bronze mirror, shaped like a shield, was buried right beside it under a layer of clay covering a wooden coffin that is 5 meters long.
The mirror stands 64 cm tall and 31 cm wide, adorned with strange patterns that differ from other mirrors typically used as burial goods in Japan. Unlike the usual round mirrors, this one is shield-shaped, making it the largest of its kind ever excavated in Japan.
The giant bronze mirror in the tomb – (Photo: Kashihara Archaeological Institute)
The entire ancient burial mound has a diameter of up to 86 meters and rises to 10 meters, indicating that the individual interred there was a person of significant importance. In addition to the two unusual treasures, there are many other burial goods in the tomb, including various bronze items, decorative mirrors depicting deities and animals, daily utensils, and farming tools.
Researchers believe that the sword and bronze mirror were not intended for the use of the deceased, but were created for ritual purposes, as only a legendary giant would be able to lift such a large sword.
The dakoken swords are also associated with ancient serpent worship, as evidenced by their serpent-like curved blades. In this case, both the sword and the mirror may have been intended to repel evil spirits.
The wooden coffin has not yet been opened, but scientists are quite confident that the items inside remain intact, as there is no evidence of tomb raiding.
A team of scientists led by the Cultural Heritage Research Center of Nara City, which excavated the tomb, and the Kashihara Archaeological Institute of Nara Prefecture, which supported the excavation, are continuing to investigate details about this colossal tomb, including the identity of the mysterious occupant.
