Archaeologists Astonished by Rare 17th-Century Samurai Sword Discovery in WWII Berlin Cellar

Archaeologists from the Berlin State Office for Monument Preservation have found a samurai sword during their excavations in Germany.

Archaeologists found the 17th-century sword while they were going through 20th-century cellars in the Molkenmarkt area, Heritage Daily reported. The area was once flourishing with houses, but World War II bombing left it in ruins.

The sword found by the archaeologists has been identified as a Wakizashi and they are calling it a 'sensational find'. It was used by Samurai warriors as a backup, or auxiliary sword, for close-quarters fighting. A Wakizashi, when paired with a Katana, was called daishō, which translates to "big-little."

Apart from fighting, Wakizashi was also used for seppuku, an act of ritualistic suicide by disembowelment. This ritual took place when the individual did not want to be captured by the authorities. It was also performed by individuals to atone for their crimes without undergoing the disgrace of a public trial.

Along with the sword, archaeologists also found several cellars containing war-related rubble destroyed during the final stages of the Battle of Berlin, Heritage Daily reported. They came across materials like bridles, stirrups, harnesses, and various artillery militaria.

Archaeologists on a closer look found that the Wazikashi had become heavily corroded, Heritage Daily reported. Experts from the Museum of Prehistory and Early History took the sword for analysis and discovered traces of wood on the structure as well as textiles on the handle.

Initially, the sword was believed to be a parade weapon, Archaeology Magazine reported. It was only after a close examination by the Museum of Prehistory and Early History, its true value was revealed.

Experts also noted intricate motifs of the Daikokuten, a Japanese deity associated with fortune and prosperity, on the sword handle, Archaeologist Magazine reported. 

State Museum of Berlin shared a statement regarding the discovery which identified the origin of the sword, "Melted decorations of chrysanthemum and waterline motifs were also found on the guard. Based on the motifs and style, the handle could be dated to the Edo period (17th to 19th century AD)," the museum shared.

Matthias Wemhoff, State Archaeologist of Berlin and Director of the Museum of Prehistory and Early History of the Staatliche Museen zu Berlin shared, "This find shows once again what surprising objects are waiting to be discovered in Berlin's soil. Who could have imagined that at a time when Japan was isolated and hardly any European travelers came to the country, such a long-used and richly decorated weapon would have come here to Berlin?"

 Experts are yet to understand how an Edo-period sword reached Germany, but they have some assumptions. They believe the sword could have been a gift from people in the Takenouchi Mission in 1862 or the Iwakura Mission between 1871 and 1873.