Tomida Chausuyama Kofun, Ancient burial mound in Sanuki, Japan
Tomida Chausuyama Kofun is an ancient burial mound in Sanuki featuring a distinctive keyhole form created by a square section at the front and a circular section at the back. The monument extends about 139 meters in total length and is surrounded by a moat that varies in width along its perimeter.
This burial mound was built in the middle of the 5th century, placing it among the largest funerary structures from the Kofun period in Shikoku. The era in which it was constructed marked a time when such monuments reflected the power and status of the ruling classes.
The mound reflects ancient burial customs through its deliberate shape and arrangement of objects. Visitors can observe how the stones and clay figures were positioned to honor the deceased.
The site sits at the eastern edge of the Nagao Plain near the Tsuda River, making it accessible from the main area. The surrounding moat varies between 13 and 20 meters wide, so visitors should be prepared for the scale of the landscape around the structure.
Archaeological investigations uncovered various clay figures scattered across the site, including cylindrical, morning glory-shaped, and house-shaped forms that offer insight into ancient artistic practices. These terracotta objects reveal details about the craftsmanship and religious beliefs of the people who built the mound.
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