Kumamoto Prefectural Decorated Tumulus Museum

Overview

The Kumamoto Prefectural Decorated Tumulus Museum is an archaeological museum located in Yamanaka City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Situated within the Iwahara Kofungun, a nationally designated historic site, the museum's building, designed by architect Tadao Ando, is a stunning example of architecture, modeled after a keyhole-shaped tumulus. Inside, twelve decorated tumuli from the prefecture are faithfully recreated in full scale, offering a vivid glimpse into the past. The museum also exhibits artifacts from the Jomon period to the medieval period, providing a comprehensive view of ancient history and culture. Kumamoto Prefecture boasts the highest concentration of decorated tumuli in Japan, with a particularly large cluster in the Kikuchi River basin. Decorated tumuli feature carvings, incised lines, and painted designs on the interior and exterior surfaces of stone sarcophagi, stone chambers, or horizontal shaft tombs. The abundance of decorated tumuli in Kumamoto is partly attributed to the plentiful supply of Aso yellow earth, the source of the red pigment "bengara" used in their decoration, readily available from Mount Aso. The museum's exhibits provide detailed explanations of the structure and decorative techniques of these tumuli, as well as the society and culture of the time. Along with full-scale replicas, the museum employs visual aids and models to enhance understanding. A visit to the Decorated Tumulus Museum sparks the imagination, prompting visitors to consider how ancient people lived and the significance they placed on these elaborate burial structures. This museum offers a rewarding experience not only for those interested in ancient history and culture but also for admirers of Tadao Ando's architecture.