千足古墳, Ancient burial mound in Okayama, Japan
Senzoku Kofun is a burial mound with a scallop shell shape, consisting of a circular rear section and a shortened front section. The round back portion houses two separate stone chambers built with materials from different regions.
The mound was built in the early 5th century using stones from Kumamoto and Kagawa prefectures, showing that extensive material transport networks existed at that time. This material sourcing suggests the person buried here had considerable resources and influence.
The stone chamber displays carved chokkomon patterns, a decorative style combining straight lines and curves that shows the skill of ancient craftspeople. This ornamentation speaks to the high social standing of the person buried there.
The site is roughly a 35-minute walk from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, and parking is available at the Tsukuriyama Kofun Visitor Center. The path to reach it is flat and clearly marked, making for an easy visit.
What sets this mound apart is that its two stone chambers were built using materials from completely different regions. This unusual sourcing practice hints that builders had access to a remarkably wide trade network.
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