saga

At the Yoshinogari Ruins in Saga Prefecture, on the 14th of the investigation of the stone coffin whose lid was opened last week, the work of digging up the soil reached the bottom of the coffin. Yamataikoku controversy for many years. Were there any discoveries that lead to the Kyushu theory?

■ Investigation of the “sarcophagus” at the Yoshinogari ruins is at the bottom

A sarcophagus excavated in a mysterious area. When the coffin lid was opened for the first time last week, the coffin was filled with dirt. On the 9th and 12th, the soil was gradually removed, and the excavation survey proceeded.

Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “Whether it’s burial goods or human bones, the remains are at the bottom of the coffin, so you won’t know until you get there.”

■ Whole red pigment Sherman?

And as of the 13th, the soil left at the bottom of the coffin is 2-3 centimeters thick. Did you find anything?

Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “We can assume that the entire inside of the coffin was painted red.”

Red pigment left in the coffin. It is said that it spread throughout the coffin.

Nori Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “There is no formula that says that painting (red) = a noble person, but painting the inside of the coffin red itself is extremely rare in the entire grave. “

North of the excavation site, the remains of what is believed to be a shaman have also been unearthed.

Yoshinobu Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “I don’t know if it was Himiko (again), but I think we can say that he was a special person to the Yoshinogari community.”

On the other hand, it is still “soil” that can be confirmed with the naked eye in the coffin.

Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties, Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Director: “I haven’t found any burial goods so far.

The thickness of the soil is about 2-3 cm.

Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “There’s about 2 or 3 centimeters of dirt left. Will it be inside?”

The decision was deferred to the 14th.

Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “This morning, we reached the bottom of the coffin. Is it possible that it is the tomb of Yamatai?) From the archaeological findings, it is not possible to say whose tomb is in Yamatai.”

■ Unable to find burial goods What about Nara Prefecture?

In Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, which appeals to this result as a rival, Yamataikoku / Kinai theory.

Kiichi Okamoto, Head of Sakurai City Tourism and Community Development Division: “It’s a relief because nothing definitive has come out this time. Yes.”

At the same time.

Kiichi Okamoto, Manager of Sakurai City Tourism and Community Development Division: “There are various theories, so there is romance.”

Shirakihara, who was in charge of the excavation.

Nobuyoshi Shirakihara, Saga Prefectural Office for the Protection and Utilization of Cultural Properties: “(Q.Are you excited?) Of course, I am.”

Excited, present tense. The romance of ancient history continues.