11.2 Kofun period tomb art and haniwa figures

The Kofun period in ancient Japan saw the rise of massive keyhole-shaped tombs for powerful rulers. These tombs, surrounded by clay haniwa figures, were symbols of status and authority. The largest, Daisen Kofun, stretched an impressive 486 meters long.

Inside these tombs, rulers were buried with precious grave goods like bronze mirrors, swords, and magatama jewels. These items, along with the haniwa figures, were believed to accompany the deceased into the afterlife, reflecting their earthly power and possessions.

Kofun Period Tombs

Characteristics and Purpose of Kofun Tombs

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• Kofun period (250-552 CE) named after the large burial mounds constructed during this era
• Keyhole-shaped tombs distinctive feature of the Kofun period, consisting of a square front and a rounded back
  • Largest keyhole-shaped tomb is the Daisen Kofun, measuring 486 meters long (Osaka)
• Burial mounds used to inter powerful rulers and elites, serving as a symbol of their status and authority
  • Contained various grave goods such as weapons, armor, and jewelry (bronze mirrors, swords, magatama)

Construction and Design of Kofun Tombs

• Kofun tombs constructed by piling earth and stone in a distinctive keyhole shape
  • Front square section contained a stone burial chamber for the deceased
  • Rounded back section often had a ceremonial platform or altar
• Size and complexity of the tomb reflected the power and wealth of the individual buried within
  • Larger tombs associated with more powerful rulers (emperors, clan leaders)
• Tombs often surrounded by moats and embankments, creating a sacred and protected space

Haniwa Figures and Grave Goods

Haniwa Figures: Purpose and Characteristics

• Haniwa figures clay sculptures placed around the perimeter of kofun tombs
  • Name "haniwa" means "clay rings" in Japanese
• Served as ritual offerings and guardians for the deceased in the afterlife
• Depicted various subjects such as warriors, horses, houses, and everyday objects (weapons, tools, boats)
  • Reflected the status, roles, and possessions of the deceased
• Haniwa figures evolved over time, becoming more elaborate and expressive (more detailed facial features, clothing, and accessories)

Grave Goods: Significance and Examples

• Grave goods items buried with the deceased in kofun tombs, believed to accompany them in the afterlife
• Bronze mirrors highly valued grave goods, often placed in the burial chamber
  • Symbolized power, wealth, and spiritual purity
  • Decorated with intricate patterns and mythological scenes (animals, constellations)
• Ceremonial swords, such as the iron sword from the Eta Funayama Kofun, signified military prowess and authority
• Magatama jewels comma-shaped beads made of jade, jasper, or other stones
  • Served as symbols of status, power, and spiritual protection
  • Often worn as necklaces or used to decorate ceremonial garments

Yamato Clan and Political Power

Rise of the Yamato Clan

• Yamato clan emerged as a dominant political force during the Kofun period
  • Based in the Nara region of central Japan
• Yamato rulers claimed divine ancestry from the sun goddess Amaterasu, legitimizing their rule
• Established a centralized system of governance, with the Yamato king as the supreme authority
  • Controlled trade, agriculture, and military power

Kofun Tombs and Yamato Power

• Keyhole-shaped tombs and burial mounds served as powerful symbols of Yamato authority
  • Largest and most elaborate tombs associated with Yamato rulers (Daisen Kofun)
• Construction of grand kofun tombs demonstrated the Yamato clan's ability to mobilize labor and resources
  • Reflected their political and economic control over the region
• Presence of kofun tombs throughout Japan indicated the extent of Yamato influence and alliances with local clans

Haniwa Figures and Yamato Ideology

• Haniwa figures played a role in reinforcing Yamato ideology and social hierarchy
  • Warrior haniwa represented the military strength and protection of the Yamato clan
  • Haniwa depicting houses, tools, and everyday objects reflected the Yamato's control over production and resources
• Placement of haniwa figures around kofun tombs created a sacred space and asserted Yamato dominance
  • Demonstrated the clan's ability to command ritual and spiritual power