The largest keyhole mound in Kishiwada, located at Mayu-cho. Its scale and date suggest the tomb of a powerful local leader in the Senshu region around the late 4th century, but the occupant is unidentified because the burial facility has not been investigated. It is a National Historic Site.
Finds & research
Haniwa including finned cylindrical examples, pottery, and river-stone facing are known. No full-scale excavation has been conducted, so the burial facility and grave goods remain unknown.
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
It was designated a National Historic Site on 15 May 1956 and is owned by Kishiwada City and others.
Archaeological view
Kishiwada City gives its length as about 200m, rear-circle diameter as about 127m, and front width as about 100m; the Agency for Cultural Affairs designation text gives an axis length of about 190m. It ranks among the largest Early Kofun-period mounds outside Yamato.
Field notes
Kishiwada City advises taking a Nankai Wing Bus bound for Higashigaoka-cho from Kumeda Station on the JR Hanwa Line and alighting at Mayu. Do not enter managed or private areas of the mound.