Welcome! KITORA tumulus

Brief description of Kitora Tumulus

104◎The mound of Kitora Tumulus was made by tamping down soil in multiple layers with the rammed earth method.

A technique called “lacquer peel” is used in archaeology for taking a profile of soil strata in a vertical section exposed through excavation.

This sample shows the actual soil strata peeled from Kitora Tumulus.

Visible here are several millimeters from the outer surface of a vertical section, adhering to a film pressed against the soil and then peeled off. The film has been reversed right to left for display.

Brief description of Kitora Tumulus: 101About Kitora Tumulus; 102About the Kitora Tumulus Special Historic Site; 103The mystery of who lies buried in Kitora Tumulus; 104◎The mound of Kitora Tumulus was made by tamping down soil in multiple layers with the rammed earth method.; 105◎This stone sealed the entrance to the burial chamber. A hole made by looting in the Kamakura period is at top left.; 106◎The origin of the name "Kitora"; 107The inside of the stone chamber is unexpectedly small, measuring 1.2 m high, by 1.0 m wide and 2.4 m long.; 108Kitora Tumulus embodies the concept of the four directional deities.; 109The size of Kitora Tumulus indicates construction at the end of the Kofun period.; 110Ancient Japanese culture derived from the cultures of East Asia.; 111Comparing Kitora Tumulus with Takamatsuzuka Tumulus; 112The ceiling of the stone chamber of Kitora Tumulus displays a precisely drawn celestial map.; 113The four directional deities of Kitora Tumulus are so realistic they seem to move.; 114Paintings of Chinese zodiac images with animal heads on human bodies have been found only at Kitora Tumulus among all tomb murals in Japan.; 115Various tumulus shapes

History of studies and research on Kitora Tumulus: 201It all began with word from a local resident.; 202The inside of the stone chamber is investigated without excavating.; 203Researchers lay their eyes on the murals for the first time.; 204The challenge is how to protect murals that would disintegrate if left as they are.; 205A photo map of 1,200 images is created.; 206First, new methods must be devised.; 207The daily challenge of handling the thin plaster.; 208Unraveling Kitora's mysteries from surviving materials.; 209The murals' beautiful appearance is restored using modern technology.; 210The tomb returns to its quiet sleep.

Immigrant culture and ancient Asuka: 301Who were the immigrants?; 302Lifestyle of the immigrants; 303The first immigrant to settle in Asuka was Hinokuma no Tami no Tsukai Hakatoko.; 304The remains of a foreign lifestyle are visible at the Hinokuma site group and environs.; 305Hinokuma temple is thought to have been the temple of the distinguished immigrant family, Yamato no Aya.

Other tumuli and cultural facilities within a 4 km radius of Kitora Tumulus: 401Other tumuli and cultural facilities within a 4 km radius of Kitora Tumulus