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===Ryouko 陵戸===

===Ryouko 陵戸===

Basically care-keepers of Imperial [[Kofun]], 'imperial-mausolea slaves,' or "ryouko" were the property of government officials. This can only be expected, considering the sensitive work they did. Interestingly, it's noted that they were  

Basically care-keepers of Imperial [[Kofun]], 'imperial-mausolea slaves,' or "ryouko" were the property of government officials. This can only be expected, considering the sensitive work they did. Interestingly, it's noted that they were on almost equal footing with the common people, but they carried a certain unfavorable stigma, as they dealt with deceased bodies, either indirectly or directly.

===Ke'nin 家人===

===Ke'nin 家人===

"Shinuhi," in contrast with "Kunuhi," were privately owned 'chattel slaves'. However, that is where the differences end: their lot in life was equal.

"Shinuhi," in contrast with "Kunuhi," were privately owned 'chattel slaves'. However, that is where the differences end: their lot in life was equal.

==Occurences of Slavery==

==Occurences of Slavery==

The Cambridge History of Japan attempts to analyze the place of slaves within Nara society. The chapter concludes that "Ke'nin" were far less common than government-owned slaves.  

The Cambridge History of Japan attempts to analyze the place of slaves within Nara society. The chapter concludes that "Ke'nin" were far less common than government-owned slaves. "The largest slave subgroup was private chattel slaves, who were owned mainly by temples, shrines, public officials, and wealthy farmers. One private chattel slave, according to contemporary sources, had roughly the value of a strong horse or cow."

[[Category: Nara Period]]

[[Category: Nara Period]]