A recent analysis of an ancient iron spear found on Okinoshima, Japan’s “Island of the Gods,” has uncovered East Asia’s earliest gold-inlaid weapon. Initially discovered in 1954 beneath a sacred boulder near the Okitsu-gū Shinto shrine, this remarkable artifact is revealing insights into Japan’s early Yamato state and its spiritual practices.

The iron spear, measuring over 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length, was previously sealed in a gilt bronze sheath and largely untouched until now. Advanced X-ray and CT imaging technologies have illuminated an intricate array of inlaid motifs that had been hidden beneath corrosion.

The designs feature stylized phoenixes, arabesques, tortoise-shell patterns, and floral elements, likely created using *kinzōgan*, an intricate technique where gold is embedded into finely carved grooves. Toshinori Mizuno, head of materials at the Archaeological Institute of Kashihara, noted that the spear exemplifies the Yamato state’s commitment to the spiritual rites conducted on Okinoshima, showcasing both artistic mastery and deep religious reverence.

Dating from the late 6th to early 7th century AD, this spear was not intended for combat but served as a *hōnōhin*, a sacred offering to the sea deities of Okinoshima. Its elaborate decorations suggest that it held substantial spiritual significance and was potentially commissioned by the Yamato court.

Tadashi Nishitani, an archaeology professor at Kyushu University, remarked that this discovery highlights the advanced state-level ritualism in the Kofun period centered on the sanctity of Okinoshima. Okinoshima Island has been a hub for sacred maritime rituals since at least the 4th century AD and is administered by the Munakata Taisha shrine.

The island remains a revered site within Shinto belief, with strict entry rules, including prohibiting women and imposing purification rituals on male visitors. This underscores its role as a spiritual nexus where religious and political realms intersect.

The spear’s rediscovery is part of a broader initiative by the Cultural Affairs Agency to digitally scan and preserve over 4,200 metal artifacts from Okinoshima. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2017, Okinoshima is one of Japan’s most significant archaeological and spiritually rich locations, offering deeper insight into the early Japanese worldview that intertwined artistry, authority, and devotion.