Intricate design found on ancient spear likely used in Yamato ritual
A 3-D image of the spear through the X-ray of a CT scan (Provided by the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region')
MUNAKATA, Fukuoka Prefecture—Intricate decorative patterns were found on an iron spear tip from the late sixth century to early seventh century, underscoring the importance of Yamato Dynasty rituals on the sacred island of Okinoshima, researchers said.
An X-ray examination of the weapon, a designated national treasure, revealed elaborate designs covering its entire surface that had been hidden under a layer of rust, officials of Munakata Taisha shrine here confirmed on June 10.
The spear tip, about 30 centimeters long, was excavated on Okinoshima island, a World Heritage site, in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, along with a treasure trove of other relics believed to date back to the late Kofun Period (third to seventh centuries).
Researchers said they believe the spear was made in Japan but had its origins on the Korean Peninsula.
They also said the Kinzogan forging method, in which metal is embedded in carved lines, was probably used to create the designs on the spear. The embedded material is still unknown, but they suspect it is gold.
Given the decorative patterns covering the entire surface, the spear was likely an offering to the gods, not an item for practical use, they said.
Okinoshima, an isolated island in the Genkainada sea, is where the goddess Munakata is said to be enshrined. The island was the site of rituals for marine safety conducted by the Yamato Dynasty for about 500 years.
'A highly advanced technique was used for creating the exquisitely detailed and gorgeous design,' said Tadashi Nishitani, professor emeritus at Kyushu University and an expert on archaeology in East Asia.
'The discoveries on this object are unprecedented and there is no other example. This really shows the greatness of national rituals on Okinoshima island,' he said.
The spear tip remains inside a gilt bronze sheath.
The researchers used a CT scan to create a three-dimensional perspective projection of the blade, allowing them to see inside the sheath and beneath the rust.
The cross section of the spear is triangular.
Some researchers believe the pattern is a Japanese arabesque design featuring a combination of hexagonal patterns surrounding a phoenix. Others say the design consists of floral or feather patterns.
Toshinori Mizuno, material section chief at the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, said the spear is 'unique and of excellent quality among items in the East Asian region.'
'I assume it was created by the Yamato Dynasty for a ritual ceremony at Okinoshima island,' he said.
About 80,000 items were discovered on Okinoshima island after World War II, and all of them have been designated as national treasures.
The Cultural Affairs Agency provided a subsidy to the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' to conduct X-ray examinations on about 4,200 metal objects, including the spear, from the island.
The council consists of Munakata Taisha shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture, a local municipal government and other related parties.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Nikkei Asia
7 hours ago
- Nikkei Asia
Japan readies $700m package to lure talent amid US brain drain
TOKYO -- The Japanese government has put together an emergency policy package of at least 100 billion yen ($698 million) to attract overseas researchers in the wake of an exodus of talent from the U.S. under President Donald Trump. Minoru Kiuchi, Japan's minister of state for science and technology policy, will announce the plan on Friday.
8 hours ago
Return of Stink Bugs Add to Japan's Rice Woes
Japan Data The resurgence of a major rice pest is a headache for growers in Japan. The 'rice stink bug' (inekamemushi), a brown insect about 12 to 13 millimeters long, is an avid consumer of rice. The insect sucks the nutrients out of rice plants, hindering development and blackening the grains, which can make it impossible to ship harvested rice to retailers. Grains of rice damaged by rice stink bugs. (Courtesy the Ibaraki Prefectural Agricultural Research Center) A survey of rice stink bugs was conducted by the Saitama Prefectural Pest and Disease Control Center from November 2024 to March 2025. The results confirmed overwintering of stink bugs at 100 of 172 locations in the prefecture, or 58.1%. It also found 17.1 bugs per square meter, which is 43 times higher than the 0.4 bugs per square meter noted in the survey for the previous year. An official at the center said, 'Even based on our impressions while conducting the survey, it seemed clear that the number of bugs had increased.' Interviews with prefectural governments conducted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries confirmed the existence of rice stink bugs in 37 prefectures in 2024. The other 10 prefectures where the bugs were not found are mainly located in northern Japan, including Hokkaidō, Aomori, and Iwate Prefectures. According to MAFF, the rice stink bug, which was considered one of the three major pests threatening rice after World War II, decreased in number sharply from around the 1960s as a result of effective pesticides and the earlier planting of rice. At one point, it was even thought that the species may have gone extinct. However, the combination of climate change and the cultivation of rice varieties with different growing periods has led to an increase in rice stink bugs in recent years. (Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: A rice stink bug feasting on a rice plant. Courtesy the Saitama Prefectural Pest and Disease Control Center.)
Asahi Shimbun
2 days ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Intricate design found on ancient spear likely used in Yamato ritual
A 3-D image of the spear through the X-ray of a CT scan (Provided by the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region') MUNAKATA, Fukuoka Prefecture—Intricate decorative patterns were found on an iron spear tip from the late sixth century to early seventh century, underscoring the importance of Yamato Dynasty rituals on the sacred island of Okinoshima, researchers said. An X-ray examination of the weapon, a designated national treasure, revealed elaborate designs covering its entire surface that had been hidden under a layer of rust, officials of Munakata Taisha shrine here confirmed on June 10. The spear tip, about 30 centimeters long, was excavated on Okinoshima island, a World Heritage site, in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, along with a treasure trove of other relics believed to date back to the late Kofun Period (third to seventh centuries). Researchers said they believe the spear was made in Japan but had its origins on the Korean Peninsula. They also said the Kinzogan forging method, in which metal is embedded in carved lines, was probably used to create the designs on the spear. The embedded material is still unknown, but they suspect it is gold. Given the decorative patterns covering the entire surface, the spear was likely an offering to the gods, not an item for practical use, they said. Okinoshima, an isolated island in the Genkainada sea, is where the goddess Munakata is said to be enshrined. The island was the site of rituals for marine safety conducted by the Yamato Dynasty for about 500 years. 'A highly advanced technique was used for creating the exquisitely detailed and gorgeous design,' said Tadashi Nishitani, professor emeritus at Kyushu University and an expert on archaeology in East Asia. 'The discoveries on this object are unprecedented and there is no other example. This really shows the greatness of national rituals on Okinoshima island,' he said. The spear tip remains inside a gilt bronze sheath. The researchers used a CT scan to create a three-dimensional perspective projection of the blade, allowing them to see inside the sheath and beneath the rust. The cross section of the spear is triangular. Some researchers believe the pattern is a Japanese arabesque design featuring a combination of hexagonal patterns surrounding a phoenix. Others say the design consists of floral or feather patterns. Toshinori Mizuno, material section chief at the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, Nara Prefecture, said the spear is 'unique and of excellent quality among items in the East Asian region.' 'I assume it was created by the Yamato Dynasty for a ritual ceremony at Okinoshima island,' he said. About 80,000 items were discovered on Okinoshima island after World War II, and all of them have been designated as national treasures. The Cultural Affairs Agency provided a subsidy to the Preservation and Utilization Council of 'Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region' to conduct X-ray examinations on about 4,200 metal objects, including the spear, from the island. The council consists of Munakata Taisha shrine, Fukuoka Prefecture, a local municipal government and other related parties.
