Cultural Properties of the Munakata Region
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Okinoshima and Mt. Mitake: Ritual Practices and Their Similarities |
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Archaeological surveys have revealed that rituals were conducted on both Okinoshima and Mt. Mitake on Oshima between the latter half of the seventh century and the ninth century. Similarities in the types of votive artifacts discovered from the summit of Mt. Mitake (224 m) and the sacred sites on Okinoshima indicate that the offerings were made as part of a shared religious tradition within the Munakata region. Comparable objects have also been found at Hetsu-miya on the mainland. The oldest historical records in Japan, the Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) and Nihon shoki (The Chronicles of Japan), both compiled in the early eighth century, state that the Munakata clan performed rituals dedicated to the Three Female Deities of Munakata at these sites.
Okinoshima rituals
Since ancient times, Okinoshima has been revered as a navigational landmark for those sailing the route between Japan and the Korean peninsula. From around the seventh century, the island came to be associated with Tagorihime-no-kami, one of the Three Female Deities who protect these routes. State rituals were traditionally conducted there to pray for maritime safety and the success of overseas envoys. Between the fourth and ninth centuries, thousands of offerings were deposited on the island. Approximately 80,000 votive objects have been discovered, including items originating from the Korean peninsula, mainland China, and even as far away as present-day Iran.
These offerings were placed on or near large rock formations at the center of Okinoshima. The rituals evolved through four stages over roughly five hundred years: from Rock-top rituals in the fourth century to Rock-shadow rituals (fifth to seventh centuries), Partial rock-shadow rituals (mid-seventh century), and finally Open-air rituals (eighth to ninth centuries). The forms of the votive objects also changed over time, reflecting shifts in political, social, and diplomatic circumstances.
Mt. Mitake rituals
From the latter half of the eighth century, similar ritual practices were performed on Mt. Mitake, the highest point on Oshima. Surveys of the mountain’s summit have yielded objects such as steatite figures representing people, boats, and horses, as well as perforated pottery and bronze vessels. They closely resemble those found on Okinoshima and date from a similar period, indicating that the rites on Mt. Mitake were conducted contemporaneously with the rituals on Okinoshima. |
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