The Development and End Process of the Burial System based on the Ritsuryo Code in the Kinai Region

• Published in: Nihon Kokogaku(Journal of the Japanese Archaeological Association) Vol. 11; no. 17; pp. 43 - 65
• Main Author: Watanabe, Kunio
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: THE JAPANESE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 2004; 一般社団法人 日本考古学協会
• Subjects: 奈良・平安時代前期; 律令墓制,葬送儀礼,副葬品; 畿内地域
• ISSN: 1340-8488; 1883-7026
• DOI: 10.11215/nihonkokogaku1994.11.43

In the early 8th century, the burial system based on the Ritsuryo code which entailed strict regulations came to an end in the Kiani region as cremation was adopted as the standard funerary custom. Just as in the Kofun period, the Yamato region played an important part in this change. However, a new tomb system that used inhumations with wooden coffins began after the capital moved to Heian-kyo at the end of the 8th century. This was because of new, Bud-dhist ideas begun by emperor Kanmu. In this paper it is argued that differences in burial method reflect social structure and that specific burial specifications were related to social position and class based on the Ritsuryo code. This Ritsuryo-based mortuary system is thought to have come to an end in the late 9th century when shared customs were replaced by regional variations in tombs. In order to examine these questions, an analysis of grave goods was conducted in this paper. After inhumation in wooden coffins was adopted in the reign of Kanmu, there was variation in the use of Sue vases, black earthen pots, and lacquer ware in burials and cremations. Ritsuryo nobles used wooden coffin inhumations for political purposes. A definite distinction was made at this time between burials and cremations, but in the mid-9th century a new funerary custom based on Buddhism was introduced. A new cosmology spread with this Buddhist influence. Furthermore, in about the latter half of the 9th century the distinction between inhumations and cremations broke down. After the 10th century, the type of burial was decided by the individual who had the money and means to do so and a new burial system began.