Monolith of “masuda no iwafune”, Site in Asuka’s forest (Nara Region – Japan).

Presumed time: Jômon then reemplois (probably in the Kofun or Asuka periods).

Material: Quartz Diorite, including many xenoliths (Gabbro), 600 to 800 tons.

Low. : approx.11 m (East to West), 8 m (North-South), 4.7 m high (North side)
Square cavities: approx. 1.6 m (depth), 1.3 m (depth), 1.4 m spacing)

Described in the book 大和名所図会 (vol.5) in 1791,
then in 1853 in the book 西国三十三所名所図会 (Vol.9)

“Metamachine” for cosmogonic & ceremonial use, vestige of a larger ensemble (buried or with scattered constituents)?