Comma-shaped beads called magatama (lit. “curved jewel”) were believed to have powerful properties in early Japanese societies. These magatama were found at multiple sites across Japan in the late 1800s to the mid-1900s. They all date to the Kofun period (ca. 3rd century–7th century), and the majority were likely burial goods deposited in tomb mounds for their special sacred efficacies.  
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