Cultural Properties of the Munakata Region
| Name |
Open-air ritual |
| Classification |
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| Address |
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| Form |
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| Survey year |
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| Storage status |
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| Excavated relics |
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| Age |
8th to 9th centuries |
| Description |
In the 8th century the ritual sites shifted to a flat, open area set apart from the rock formations. A large number of votive offerings were deposited near the remains of altars centered around this group of huge rocks, and it is evident that rituals were performed repeatedly in the same places.
Some objects used in these open-air rituals, such as the Nara Sansai pieces, indicate a connection to the state, but many others were also used, such as Haji and Sue pottery with holes for ritual use and steatite objects shaped like people, horses and boats; various of these items used as offerings are believed to have been produced locally.
It is clear that the Munakata clan was performing rituals under the auspices of the ancient state. |
| volume / scale / area |
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| Collection |
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| References |
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| Catalog page |
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