What to Call an Ancient Royal Dog?

Apr 23, 2025 | News On Japan

NARA - A model of a dog, believed to have lived alongside Queen Himiko, has been unveiled in Nara after being reconstructed from bones excavated at the Makimuku ruins, one of the leading candidate sites for the ancient Yamatai kingdom.

"This dog model, recreated from unearthed bones, may resemble a pet that once lived with Himiko," reported journalist Nozomi Fujieda at the exhibition site.

The bones were discovered a decade ago at the Makimuku ruins in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture. The site is widely regarded as a possible location of Yamatai, the mysterious ancient kingdom ruled by Himiko in the early third century.

Archaeologists believe the dog lived during Himiko’s reign. The bones were found in a ditch near a building thought to be part of the royal compound.

Kaoru Terasawa, director of the Makimuku Research Center, commented: "There is a strong possibility this dog shared both time and space with Himiko. It could serve as a symbolic icon that highlights the historical significance of the Makimuku site."

The model will be on display at the Sakurai City Cultural Property Center starting April 23rd, and the public is invited to submit name suggestions for the reconstructed dog.

Source: YOMIURI

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