Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo/Exhibition/Bronze implement and decorative swords

Bronze implement and decorative swords

A large number of bronze implements from the Yayoi period and great swords owned by a local ruling family during the Kofun period were excavated. Take a look at the bronze implements and swords to understand the origin and history of Shimane and the hope of ancient people in Shimane placed in them.

(1)Mysterious power in bronze implements

Village life can be better understood through the rituals which utilized bronze implements based mainly on the discoveries at the Kojindani site and the Kamo-Iwakura site.

Reproduction of bronze swords from the Kojindani site

Bronze implements from the Kojindani site (national treasures)

Bronze bells from the Kamo-Iwakura site (important cultural properties)

Model of being buried bronze swords in the Kojindani site

Bronze mirror inscribed with the date A.D. 239(the Kanbara-shrine mounded tomb)(important cultural property)

(2)The world of decorative swords

In the Kofun period, or tumulus period, groups were organized according to the leader's power, and rules were established. Leaders' belongings became symbolic of the power enjoyed by his group. Taking decorative swords as a representative example, find out how the society in Izumo was organized at the time.

Artifacts unearthed from the Kanbara-shrine mounded tomb(important cultural property)

Restorated statue of a chief on horseback(the Kamienya Tsukiyama site)

Swords with a circular handle with design of twin dragons(the Kawarake-dani cave tomb)( important cultural property)