The Kamoiwakura relics date to the Yayoi period and were found in 1996 near Kamo, in Ohara, Shimane Prefecture. At the site, 30m long rectangular tombs and 39 bronze bell-shaped vessels have beenfound, the greatest number of such vessels ever found in Japan. The vessels are decorated with pictures of deer and dragonflies, and were probably  used in rites worshipping the god of the land that makes rice grow. The design of a stag horn illustrates the cycle of agriculture, which represents the spring growth, and fall harvests . The dragonfly is depicted because this insect eats vermin that eat the rice. Also, the impression of an ‘x’ made after casting is the same as the one found on Koujindani relics. Its meaning is undiscovered, yet it is believed that the two groups of relics used to be onegroup. Further study may change current views on the history of these relics.  The Kamoiwakura site is important in the study of the history of the Izumo area and of the various rites in which these bronze vessels were used.