Investigation of a subterranean tomb in Miyazaki, Japan

Abstract

A subterranean chamber tomb in Miyazaki, Japan was investigated in an experimental programme combining remote sensing, excavation and scientific analysis of the materials recovered. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was used to locate the tomb, for which no visible surface markers remained. The approach to the tomb was then excavated to expose the sealed entrance to the burial chamber, through which a small hole was bored for the insertion of a miniature video camera. Based on the images thus obtained, the cooperation of specialists was enlisted for the analysis of substances expected to be recovered from the chamber, and plans were made for the collection of suitable samples. This strategy permitted the identification of docosahexaenoic acid, a fatty acid characteristically found in fish and shellfish, in the residue from a dish which appeared in the video to be lying in its original position, demonstrating the utility of obtaining visual images by non-destructive means prior to full-scale excavation. Other results from the excavation similarly provide a means for evaluating the utility and accuracy of the various remote sensing methods used (GPR, resistivity and ground temperature surveys, visual inspection by miniature video camera and fibrescope). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.