The mystery of Japan's oldest bronze spear revealed for the first time

Extremely rare artifact reveals clues to East Asian prehistory. Archaeologists say it is the earliest spear sheath ever discovered.

While excavating beneath a rock on Okinoshima, a sacred island located off the coast of Munakata, Fukuoka, Japan, experts from the Agency for Cultural Affairs of Japan unexpectedly found a strange ancient artifact. Photo: @ Japan National Tourism Organization.

It is a hollow bronze case used to hold a spear. Photo: @Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs.

This bronze spear case is estimated to date from Japan's Kofun period (circa 300–538 AD). Photo: @Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs.

X-rays of the spear case show that the inside of the case is engraved with elaborate gold inlay patterns that cannot be seen with the naked eye from the outside. Photo: @Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs.

In fact, the entire island of Okinoshima is revered as a Shinto deity, with strict restrictions prohibiting women from setting foot on its shores. Even a select few men are only allowed to visit the island after undergoing important purification rituals. Photo: @Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Therefore, experts believe that this spearhead was not used in combat. Its elaborate design and delicate structure suggest that it was an offering to a Shinto deity. Photo: @Japan Agency for Cultural Affairs.

“This discovery highlights the scale and sophistication of ritual during the Kofun period, and helps us better understand the strange and mysterious ancient rituals on Okinoshima Island, Japan,” the study authors said. Photo: @ Japan National Tourism Organization.

Dear Readers, please watch the video : "Opening" the 3,000-year-old mummy of an Egyptian Pharaoh: "Shocking" real appearance and earth-shattering secrets. Video source: @VGT TV - Life.

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