NABUNKEN NEWS vol.47

Figure of a warriorNABUNKEN NEWS vol.4-- A treasured article of the Asuka Historical Museum (3) --

 Currently, a figure of a robust warrior wearing armor is exhibited in the lobby of the Asuka Historical Museum. This figure, which sports the nickname "Mr. Warrior", is very popular with visitors to the Asuka Historical Museum.

 This figure was restored based on the presumed appearance of a military commander who fought in the Jinshin War. The armor he wears was made by modeling the iron armor buried/stored under a foundation stone of a central pagoda pillar of Asuka-dera Temple. In parallel with this figure, the museum is also exhibiting the replica of the buried armor made in accordance with the original condition when it was unearthed. If comparing these two showpieces, visitors may easily understand how the unearthed armor was restored.

 "Mr. Warrior" is so heavily-armed that the museum curators/ attendants sometimes have a hard time exhibiting or moving him. He wears iron armor, holds a bow at the ready, and bears various armaments, including a sword. As it seems unlikely that such massive amounts of arms were provided to petty soldiers in ancient times, the unearthed armor appears entirely appropriate to the "military commander" class.

 The figure has gained popularity among visitors because it provides an instantly understandable image of an ancient people whose appearance is generally difficult to comprehend.

 Opening hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (Last admission: At 16:00pm; Closed on Mondays/New Year's holidays)Contact to: ☎0744-54-3561 (Asuka Historical Museum)

(NARITA Satoshi, Asuka Historical Museum)

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Figure of restored warrior

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