Giant Dakonen Sword

Anthony

Giant Dakoken Sword Unearthed in Japan

Recently, archaeologists from the Nara Municipal Buried Cultural Properties Research Centre and the Nara Prefectural Archaeological Institute of Kashihara made a remarkable discovery at the Tomiomaruyama burial mound in Nara City, Japan. During their excavation, they uncovered a giant 7’10” dakoken sword, made from iron, and a shield-shaped bronze mirror, both of which date back to the early Kofun period in Japan.

The discovery of these artifacts is significant because it provides a glimpse into the high level of metallurgical skill present during the Kofun period. The size of the giant dakoken sword and the unique shape of the mirror are important indicators of the advanced knowledge of metallurgical techniques and the importance placed on burying treasures with the dead during this time.

The Dakoken Sword: A Weapon of Spiritual Warfare

The ancient iron dakō sword has severely rusted after being buried underground for over 16 centuries. In the picture, a copy of the sword can be seen in its original location where it was discovered. (Image courtesy of the public domain)

The giant dakoken sword, with its slightly bent blade like a snake, is believed to have been used in a ceremonial context to ward off evil. It is speculated that this enormous sword was manufactured specifically to serve as a weapon of spiritual warfare, for use in afterlife battles where Oni (demons) and yurei (ghosts) strived to capture one’s journeying soul.

The size of the giant dakoken sword, at 7’10”, makes it the largest intact dakoken sword discovered in Japan to date. The presence of such a large sword in a burial mound suggests its importance in the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Kofun period.

The Shield-Shaped Bronze Mirror

The shield-shaped bronze mirror found at the Tomiomaruyama burial mound is also considered a masterpiece of national treasure-class metallurgical objects. Unlike other bronze mirrors found at archaeological sites in Japan, which are typically rounded, this mirror is shield-shaped and measures 64 cm in height by 31 cm in width.

The shield-shaped bronze mirror discovered at the Tomiomaruyama kofun in Nara (Provided by the Nara city board of education)

The center of the back of the mirror is raised, with two rounded patterns that are identical to the patterns typically inscribed on “Daryukyo” mirrors from the Kofun Period. The unique shape of this mirror adds to the significance of the discovery and highlights the level of expertise and creativity present in the metallurgical practices of the Kofun period.

The discovery of the giant dakoken sword and the shield-shaped bronze mirror at the Tomiomaruyama burial mound in Nara City, Japan is a remarkable one that provides insight into the advanced metallurgical practices of the Kofun period. The size of the sword and the unique shape of the mirror are important indicators of the expertise and creativity present in the metallurgical techniques of the time.

The significance of this discovery lies not only in the size and uniqueness of the artifacts, but also in the spiritual beliefs and practices of the Kofun period. The presence of such a large sword in a burial mound suggests its importance as a weapon of spiritual warfare in the afterlife, and the unique shape of the bronze mirror adds to the significance of the discovery.

The Kofun period marked a significant moment in Japanese history, with the transmission of the practice of building sepulchral mounds and burying treasures with the dead from the Asian continent to Japan. The discovery of the giant dakoken sword and the shield-shaped bronze mirror provides further evidence of the importance of this practice and the significance of the Kofun period in Japanese history.

This discovery not only sheds light on the advanced metallurgical practices of the Kofun period, but also on the spiritual beliefs and cultural practices of the time. It is a reminder of the rich history and cultural heritage present in Japan and the importance of preserving and studying these artifacts for future generations.

Thanks to the Asahi Shimbun for additional reporting.

A 35mm photo of a sarcophagus.

Anthony

Do Mummies Have Ghosts?

The pervasive question Do mummies have ghosts is one asked for dozens of centuries. To get to the bottom of this question, we have to examine what are ancient Egyptian beliefs in the afterlife.

The belief in ghosts was closely tied to the ancient Egyptians’ practice of mummification, as they believed that properly preserving the body would ensure that the soul would be able to continue on to the afterlife. If a mummy was disturbed or not properly preserved, it was believed that the spirit of the deceased could be unleashed and would seek revenge on the living.

It was also believed that certain actions in life could lead to a person becoming a ghost. For example, if a person committed a grave sin or crime, or if they died a violent or unexpected death, their soul could be unable to find peace in the afterlife and could return as a ghost.

Overall, the ancient Egyptians had a complex belief system surrounding the afterlife and the existence of ghosts. This belief played a significant role in their religious practices and daily lives, and continues to fascinate people to this day.

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Where Did the Mummies Ghost’s Go?

In order to free a ghost from this state, the ancient Egyptians believed that certain rituals and offerings needed to be performed. These could include spells and incantations, as well as the offering of food, drink, and other necessities that the deceased would need in the afterlife.

The ancient Egyptians had a class of priests known as “ka-priests” who were responsible for performing rituals and offerings to free the souls of ghosts. These rituals could include spells and incantations, as well as the offering of food, drink, and other necessities that the deceased would need in the afterlife.

In some cases, it was also believed that the living could appease the ghost by offering sacrifices or performing other acts of piety. By doing this, the ghost would be able to find peace and move on to the afterlife, freeing it from its restless state.

You can also read Is Borough Park Haunted?

So, did mummies have ghosts?

The ancient Egyptians had a strong belief in the afterlife, and as such, they believed in the existence of ghosts. They believed that the soul of a person would continue to exist after their physical body had died, and that it could potentially return to the physical world in the form of a ghost. “Ka-priests” worked tirelessly to free the souls of those stuck in limbo, so there’s believed to be few-to-zero ancient Egyptian ghosts today.

Sign up for our newsletter and learn more about the fascinating world of ancient Egyptian ghosts! Discover the beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians surrounding the afterlife and the existence of ghosts. Explore the role of “ka-priests” and their efforts to free the souls of ghosts. Join our community and gain insight into this fascinating aspect of ancient Egyptian civilization. Sign up now and never miss out on the latest news and updates on ancient Egyptian ghosts!

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