A keyhole mound in the grounds of Yamatsuteru Shrine at Notose, Maibara. A gilt-bronze crown and horse gear from its rear chamber have prompted a proposed connection to the Okinaga clan.
Finds & research
The rear horizontal stone chamber yielded two mirrors, a gilt-bronze crown, a sword, crystal triple-bead ornaments, and horse gear. Shiga Prefecture records that a linked-arc mirror and an iron sword came from the front part, while Maibara City regards that mirror as older than the chamber finds and names the Okubuka Mounds 1–6 on the western ridge as possible find spots. The finds of 1882 are Shiga Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties (archaeological materials).
Official status & archaeological view
Official status
Shiga Prefectural Historic Site (1969). The finds unearthed in 1882 are Shiga Prefectural Tangible Cultural Properties (archaeological materials), designated in 1957 with the gilt-bronze crown and other items added in 2006. Owned by Yamatsuteru Shrine, they are deposited at the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum.
Archaeological view
A keyhole mound about 46m long. Maibara City’s site guide places it in the early 6th century; a Maibara City symposium booklet says its horse gear and Sue ware date from the early to middle 6th century, and Shiga Prefecture’s account of the finds gives the middle 6th century. The horizontal stone chamber in the rear was found in 1882 (during expansion of the shrine precinct for relocating the shrine buildings according to Maibara City, or widening of the approach according to Shiga Prefecture). A 1994 survey also found rows of cylindrical, morning-glory, and Iwami-shaped haniwa. Maibara City’s cultural-property preservation plan states that the occupant has not been identified, but that a link to the powerful Okinaga clan is also conceivable.
Field notes
The mound can be seen in the grounds of Yamatsuteru Shrine; the horizontal stone chamber was refilled in the Meiji era and cannot be viewed. The finds, owned by the shrine, are deposited at the Azuchi Castle Archaeological Museum.