A Window into Japan’s Ancient Past
The Kuboizumi Maruyama ruins, situated in Saga City, represent a significant archaeological site that offers invaluable insights into Japan’s ancient history. This complex encompasses a group of 118 dolmens from the late Jomon period to the early Yayoi period, alongside 12 ancient tombs dating from the 5th to 6th centuries AD. Originally located in Kawakubo, Kuboizumi-cho, the ruins were relocated to their current site due to the construction of the Nagasaki Expressway between January 1982 and March 1983.
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Archaeological Significance
The Kuboizumi Maruyama ruins are distinguished by their variety of ancient tombs, including both pit-style and horizontal-pit type stone chambers. The largest pit-style stone chamber measures 1.87 meters in length, 0.73 meters in width, and 0.76 meters in height. These chambers have yielded numerous artifacts, such as iron swords, iron spears, magatama beads, and other items indicative of the period’s material culture.
Excavation surveys conducted in 1975 revealed the complex’s historical and academic importance. Among the notable findings is Mound No. 3, a circular tomb with a diameter of 13.8 meters, housing a boat-shaped sarcophagus named “Mino.” This sarcophagus, made from Aso welded tuff—a material not native to the Saga plains—underscores the extensive trade and cultural exchange networks of the time. The boat-shaped sarcophagi, rare in the Saga plains, are concentrated around the lower Kikuchi River area of Kumamoto Prefecture and Fukuoka Prefecture, highlighting the interconnectedness of these regions during the 5th and 6th centuries.
Relocation and Restoration
The relocation and restoration of the Kuboizumi Maruyama ruins were necessitated by infrastructure development, specifically the construction of the Nagasaki Expressway. Stone chambers and tombs were meticulously cut out and moved to their new location in Kinryu Park. This process involved the use of traditional tools to replicate the original manufacturing techniques, ensuring the authenticity of the restored structures.
The restored sarcophagus, now used as a time capsule, contains souvenirs from local residents and stakeholders, symbolizing a bridge between the past and the present. This initiative not only preserved the archaeological site but also transformed it into an open-air museum, facilitating historical education and appreciation.
Conclusion
The Kuboizumi Maruyama ruins stand as a testament to the rich cultural and historical tapestry of ancient Japan. Through the meticulous efforts of archaeologists and conservationists, this site continues to educate and inspire, offering a tangible connection to Japan’s distant past. The complex’s relocation and restoration have ensured that these invaluable artifacts and structures will be preserved for future generations, serving as a focal point for research and learning about the Jomon to Yayoi periods and the tumulus culture of the Saga plains.
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