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Which musical instruments appear on haniwa tomb figurines from the Tumulus period?
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Japanese music
Courtesan playing a samisen, Japanese woodcut print.
During the Tumulus period (c. 250–c. 500 CE), archaeological evidence from haniwa tomb figurines provides insight into the musical life of the era. The following musical instruments have been identified on these statues:
- Barrel drum: One haniwa figure has been discovered depicted playing a barrel drum with a stick.1
- Zither: Another figure is portrayed seated with a four- or five-stringed board zither resting across its lap. This instrument is considered significant as it may be related to the Korean kayagŭm or represent an early form of the wagon (or Yamato-goto), a six-stringed zither used in Shintō music.1
- Crotal bells: Crotal bells (pellet or jingle bells) are found depicted on the costumes of some figurines. These are considered the precursors to the suzu bell tree, an instrument still used in Shintō dances today.1
Additionally, some haniwa statues are interpreted as singers, reflecting the importance of music and dance in early Japanese funeral rites.1