Japanese researchers found a large Dako iron sword, and a huge bronze mirror in a 4th century burial mound in Nara.
These two items were discovered in the Tomio Maruyama Tulus last November. released a press release this week about the discovery by Nara’s board for education and the archeological institution of the city.
Local government groups claim that the 125-pound shield-shaped decorated mirror and the seven-foot iron snake dako blade were the first to be discovered. Experts believe this permits the Tomio Maruyama Tumulus’ two items to be designated as national treasures.
Kosaku Okabayashi was the deputy director of Nara Prefecture’s Archaeological Institute of Kashihara. stated that the two items were a breakthrough for research and that they were “beyond anything we had imagined.”
This shield-shaped mirror measures two feet in length and one foot in width. It features geometric designs similar to daryu mirrors. These mirrors are based on imagined characters and feature patterns and geometric designs. A mirror X-ray revealed tin and copper as well as lead.
It has a snake-like, wavy shape with markings denoting a sheath or handle. According to the Japan Times more than 80 other dako blades have been discovered throughout Japan.
Naohiro Toyoshima , Nara University Archaeology , told Kyodo news the mirror-shaped shield and sword, which were used to protect the dead against evil spirits, could also be a sign that the person they were buried with was involved or involved in ritualistic and military matters.
Riku Murase was a member the team that excavated the objects. He said that the length of the sword was so unusual that it initially seemed like several items. He said Kyodo news that he believed they had discovered a unique bronze plate.
It was my dream to find a mirror. He said, “Who knew it would be so amazing.”
