Ancient Korean History
 History of Korea
Treasures from Korea's Tombs
Introduction to Korean Tombs
Tombs of Korea are the best preserved monuments of the Three Kingdoms,
others being an astronomical observatory in Kyongju, the stone stele of
King Kwanggaet'o, and a few stone pagodas that survived warfare when
Silla defeated Koguryo and Paekche. Silla tombs provide the most relics
of the Korean past, except for the Munyong tomb of Paekche which was
found intact and is considered the epitome of Three Kingdoms artifacts.
Many of the objects are made of gold, bronze, gilt bronze, and silver,
with durable gold objects surviving best under the ravages of time.
Objects from the Tombs
The skill of Paekche and Silla artists is reflected in the crowns, earrings,
rings, necklaces, and bracelets found in the tombs. These objects were not
an indication of the deceased's gender, however, the inclusion of a sword
to these treasures always denoted a male tomb occupant. The crowns of Silla
were made of gold (higher aristocracy) and gilt bronze (lower aristocracy)
and the form is unlike any found elsewhere. It consists of an inner cap
with and an outer circle adorned with tree branch and antler insignia and
bird wing decorations. The objects that were most plentiful were earrings
which were found in multiple pairs suggesting all the deceased's earring
possessions were buried with him. The form was of a ring, to clip on the
ear, attached to a decorative pendant. Necklaces were made of glass beads
and some were made elaborate with the inclusion of gold bars, jade, and
various jewels to the cord. Rings and bracelets were flat and undecorated
or had cut lines. The most elaborate types had a glass bead on a silver ring.
There were silver and gold bracelets with dragon decorations.
The gold one went on the right arm and the silver on the left.
Other objects left in the tombs included harnesses with bronze stirrups,
bells, ornaments, and iron kettles similar to Japanese pottery kettles in design.
One of the most interesting artifacts every found in a tomb were some glass
cups of distinctive Roman origin. How they got to Korea remains a mystery.
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