Hoko yari

Hoko yari is an ancient form of Japanese spear or yari said to be based on a Chinese spear.^[1] The hoko yari came into use sometime between the Yayoi period and the Heian period,^[2] possibly during the Nara period in the 8th century AD.^[3]

Bronze hoko spears and dōtaku ritual bells excavated at the Kōjindani Site (ja:荒神谷遺跡) in Hikawa, Shimane

Appearance and use

The hoko yari was thought to be a guard's spear used in the defense of palisades and gates. One source describes hoko yari as being mounted on a two meter pole and with an 20 cm blade, either in a leaf shape or with a wavy edge similar to the Malay kris. Like the later-period fukuro yari, the metal blade had a hollow socket for the pole to fit into, rather than a long tang.^[4] Hoko yari could also have a sickle-shaped horn projecting out and slightly forward on one or both sides of the blade, indicating that this weapon was primarily used to thrust back an enemy.^[1]

See also

• Amenonuhoko