A massive sword that is as long as a giant snake that has been discovered in Japan was once used in rituals, researchers have said.
The 237-centimetre (993-inch) sword was excavated from a tomb in Japan’s largest burial mound, Tomio Maruyama Tumulus, in Nara City in 2020 and dates back to the late 4th century.
The Nara Prefectural Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute and the Nara City Board of Education said on 26th March that the handle and sheath were found to be almost intact.
The total length, including the handle and scabbard, is 285 centimetres (112 inches).
It is believed that the long sword was used in a standing position during rituals, according to local media.
The serpentine sword has a unique shape with the blade bent in six places.
It was found along with a shield-shaped bronze mirror, 64 centimetres (25 inches) long and 31 centimetres (12 inches) wide, on top of a wooden coffin in a clay burial chamber called ‘Nendokaku’.
The wooden coffin was preserved in good condition because it was protected by the clay that covered it, and the black lacquered wooden handle, which is 38 centimetres (15 inches) long and both ends of the scabbard have reportedly remained in their original condition.
The tip of the sword was reportedly made of wood and was stick-shaped. It was designed to prevent the scabbard from touching the ground directly when the sword was stood upright.
Kosaku Okabayashi, a curatorial advisor at the Kashihara Archaeological Research Institute, told local media: “Because of the stone tip, it [the serpentine sword] was used vertically as a ceremonial guard during important ceremonies. “
The serpentine sword will be put on display for the public for the first time at the Institute’s museum in Kashihara City from 30th March to 7th April.
