Gimhae National Museum
1. Gallery R1 2. Gallery R2 3. Gallery R3
4. Gallery R4 5. Gallery R5 6. Gallery R6
7. Gallery R7
- 1 - 1. Cutting Edge Hunting Methods of the Gallery R1 Prehistoric Age
Welcome to Gimhae National Museum. The first relics you will see are hunting tools from the Prehistoric Age. Because human culture changed along with the pace of tool development, tools had a significant effect on civilization. Among them, the development of hunting tools was a decisive factor in the survival of mankind and the development of civilizations. You can see here the progression of hunting technology throughout the Prehistoric Age. Let’s start from the exhibits on the right. These are primitive tools such as stones for chopping and pointed stones. On the left are arrowheads and they were advanced weapons of the Neolithic Age. People of the Paleolithic Age initially hunted animals using simple wooden and stone tools. They then began to make spears, which made hunting safer. Tool development accelerated around about 10,000 B.C., following the end of the Ice Age. Mammals such as mammoth and reindeer were well adapted to cold climates and moved to the north, while smaller
- 2 - animals such as foxes and rabbits thrived. The proliferation of these small, fast animals prompted the development of long range weapons such as bows and arrows. Now let’s look at the piece of earthenware in the glass case behind you. The Neolithic artwork is inscribed with a boar motif and expresses a desire for successful boar hunting expeditions. Since the agricultural practices of the time were primitive at best, food supply primarily depended on the success of a hunt. Neolithic drawings of animals in caves or motifs on pottery expressed a desire for successful hunting. Murals discovered in Lascaux in France and Altamira in Spain were motivated by the same desires.
- 3 - Gallery R1 2. Stone Grinding Pestle&Saddle Quern
The exhibits in this glass case offer an explanation of the eating habits of the Neolithic people. The quern, which is shaped like an ironing board, and the baguette-shaped pestle were particularly significant tools of the Neolithic Age. They were used to shell or grind nuts such as acorns. Acorn cookies and jelly were staple foods of the Neolithic people who inhabited the Korean Peninsula. Following the invention of ground stone tools, the diet of Neolithic people diversified. Since ground tools were more effective than the chipped stone tools of the Paleolithic Age, Neolithic people could accomplish more complex tasks. Various kinds of earthenware were produced in order to cook and store food. These sudden changes were the result of a transition from a nomadic to a sedentary lifestyle. The population increased dramatically around 6,000 years B.C and Neolithic people began to settle down in groups. During the early period of the Neolithic Age, agriculture was non-existent, and so people still lived by hunting and gathering. As the groups of people developed into villages and communities, they were collectively able to gather large quantities of fruits and grains.
- 4 - Gallery R1 3. Fishing Net Sinkers, Bone Fishhooks
[Narration] Thousands of years ago, grains and meat were not the only sources of food for Neolithic people. As Gimhae was surrounded by rivers and the sea, the people who inhabited this region enjoyed a diet supplemented with virtually every type of fish and marine food. [Tourist] Every type of fish and marine food! During the Neolithic Age! That must be an exaggeration. [Narration] No, not at all! The remains of fish, dolphins and even seals were identified from food waste heaps dating from the Neolithic Age. [Tourist] It’s funny that we have learned about ancient people from their trash. [Narration] Such trash heaps have revealed information about the diet of the Neolithic people, and also the fishing methods they employed. These net sinkers and bone fishhooks were found in food waste heaps as well. [Tourist] Are those fishhooks that I can see on the right? Sometimes I go fishing myself, so although they look clumsy I can see that they would work! [Narration] Yes. By using the divided fishhooks shown at the top, even large fish such as tuna and shark could be caught. Net fishing has also been in use from as long as 3,000 years ago. Just as communities of people worked together to gather food, the scale of fishing increased by their working together cooperatively. The artifact on your left is a
- 5 - weight. As we saw earlier, it was attached to a net to help it sink so that fish could not escape. [Tourist] Neolithic people were more intelligent than I thought. [Narration] They were intelligent. Although these artifacts are from the Neolithic Age, they are not primitive at all. They are functionally comparable to the modern fishing equipment used today. Now you know that the assertion that Neolithic people enjoyed all kinds of marine foods is not an exaggeration!
- 6 - Gallery R1 4. Polished Stone Daggers-The Birth of the Farmers
[Narration] Now we will take a look at the crescent-shaped stone knives. These knives were used for farming. The Neolithic people ground and sharpened the stones to cut the ears of grain. In fact, they were designed to remove and separate every grain. [Tourist] They remind me of Millet’s painting, The Gleaners. The women in the painting were so focused on removing every precious grain. By the way, what are these holes in the middle? [Narration] The two holes were threaded with string to form a handle for holding the knife securely. During the Bronze Age, many other farming tools were employed besides crescent-shaped stone knives. Wooden and stone tools were generally used until they were superseded by bronze and iron farming tools. As farming techniques developed, tools became more functional and elaborate. Let’s look at some of the other tools.
- 7 - Gallery R1 5. Fashionable Pottery
The earthenware in the corner of the exhibition room was produced on the Korean Peninsula during the late Bronze Age. The style of pottery underwent a small change between the 3rd century B.C. and the 1st century A.D. There were almost no changes in the features and appearance of the pottery; however, there was a gradual development of the techniques and materials employed in the manufacturing process. The pottery we have seen so far is known as ‘plain pottery’ due to the absence of any decoration. Compared to the early, crude, plain pottery, these pieces were produced using more complicated techniques. They were made of fine clay and a layer of colored mud. This process required an additional firing, and produced pottery with a smooth texture and vivid color. The bright red earthenware on the right is called ‘burnished red pottery’. The pottery on the left is known as ‘pottery with an eggplant design’ due to the black patterns on the vessels. The change in appearance of the pottery was inspired by a change in purpose. This type of earthenware was designed not only for everyday use, but also as a funerary accessory. The men of power at that time put a greater emphasis on the external beauty of earthenware in order to highlight their prestige. Thus this pottery provides evidence of the existence of a hierarchy in Bronze Age society.
- 8 - Gallery R1 6. Crescent-shaped Stone Knives
[Narration] These shiny, white, stone daggers are from the Bronze Age. It is difficult to believe that Bronze Age people produced such delicate and elaborate artwork. [Tourist] Wow, they’re fabulous! They also exude a sense of mystery. I’d like to have one in my living room. [Narration] How did you know that they were decorative daggers? [Tourist] Do you mean that Bronze Age people were interested in interior decoration? That’s unbelievable! [Narration] Ah, I mean that the daggers were designed to decorate tombs, not houses. Just like the pottery we saw earlier, these daggers were funerary goods used to signify the power of the deceased. [Tourist] Aha, I see. They remind me of the medieval European nobility who used to decorate their houses with swords and armor. But you said that these were from the Bronze Age. Why didn’t they make them with bronze? Bronze daggers would surely have been more prestigious. [Narration] That’s a good question. This style of stone dagger was only produced in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Since bronze manufacturing technology first developed in the northern part of the peninsula, it took a long time for the technique to spread south. Daggers were made of stone until they were superseded by the more popular bronze. Thus this polished stone dagger is regarded as a unique artifact that is only found in the south of the Korean Peninsula.
- 9 - Gallery R1 7. Korean Bronze Daggers
[Narration] Let us look at some Korean bronze ware now. The room exhibits artifacts from the Korean Bronze Age and bronze swords are the most representative relics of the time. First, I’d like to draw your attention to the violin-shaped sword on your left. This sword was made in the northern part of the peninsula, in what is now China, during the Early Bronze Age. [Visitor] Um, I am confused. Do you mean it is from China? [Narration] Not exactly. During the Bronze Age, Korea was so powerful that it occupied some parts of mainland China where this sword was made. [Visitor] But geographically, didn’t Chinese techniques and styles influence Korean Bronze ware, just like they influenced the earthenware of the Neolithic Age? [Narration] No, they didn’t. Chinese Bronze swords were constructed as a single piece, whereas the blade and the hilt of Korean Bronze swords were constructed separately. You can see this feature on the bottom of the sword. [Visitor] Ah, I see. This sword looks unique but I doubt it’s very useful, is it? [Narration] Ah, that is because the sword was not designed to serve a practical purpose. In the Bronze Age, powerful men carried these swords at their sides as a symbol of power. That’s why these swords were so impressively crafted. By comparison, Korean bronze swords made in the Late Bronze Age were more practical. You can see some examples of these on the right. They have sharper and straighter blades.
- 10 - Gallery R2 8. Brightening the Dawn of Gaya
[Narration] The rise of Gaya was not only the result of exploiting an abundance of iron ore and establishing a prominent trade port. Rather, the splendid history of Gaya was the work of its people. [Tourist] Was this Gimhae region invaded or conquered? [Narration] No. During the late 2nd century B.C., people from the north migrated here after the collapse of their kingdom. Because they brought with them their own flourishing bronze culture, technology and products, Gaya endured for 600 years and successfully maintained a diverse, vibrant culture. In a way, similarities exist between Gaya’s cultural development and the classical scholars that became the driving force of the Italian Renaissance after the fall of Constantinople. [Tourist] Who were the people from the north? Were they Chinese? Was Gaya founded by Chinese people? [Narration] No, they weren’t. The people were survivors from the first kingdom in Korea called Gojoseon. Gojoseon was a powerful nation with a large territory that extended beyond the Korean Peninsula and into some regions of what is now China. [Tourist] I see. So you mean that these artifacts from the north were still ‘made in Korea’, right? [Narration] Yes, that’s right. This crown ornament, iron sword and writing brush were much more advanced than those being produced in the south at that time. For example, the brush provides evidence that a written language was in use. In addition, the iron sword and scabbard displayed on the front wall were elegantly designed.
- 11 - Gallery R2 9. Rule the World with Light
[Narration] The artifact we can see here is a bronze mirror. The bronze mirrors of the time were rather more symbolic than practical although they could serve the same functional purpose as modern mirrors. The people of Gaya believed that these round, shiny mirrors were imbued with the mystical power of the sun. They were usually possessed by noblemen and signified their authority. [Tourist] How can this be a mirror? I can only see designs on the surface. [Narration] Obviously, what we are seeing here is the back of the mirror. The backs of the mirrors were adorned with various patterns, paintings and scripts. [Tourist] What about the front of the mirror? Is it made of glass like modern mirrors? [Narration] No, no. Just like in ancient western countries, the people of Gaya polished thick plates of copper or bronze until they became reflective. After a thousand years, the bronze mirror has rusted and is in far less than perfect condition. However, it was originally the color of gold.
- 12 - Gallery R2 10. International Trade Port, Neuk-do Island
We have finally reached the section containing artifacts from the Iron Age. Korea was influenced by Chinese iron culture during the 3rd and 4th centuries B.C. From the 2nd century B.C., iron manufacturing technology rapidly spread throughout Korea. As a consequence, during the 1st century A.D, ironware was popularly used even in the south of the Korean Peninsula. On display here is a collection of artifacts representing the lifestyle of the people of Gaya – a bone dagger, an iron ax, and the backbone of a whale among others. These relics were excavated from a small island off the south coast of Korea called Neukdo Island. Many relics have been found on Neukdo Island. Surprisingly, some of the excavations conducted there have unearthed Chinese pottery, Chinese coins and Japanese earthenware. The artifact in the middle is an example of Japanese earthenware. Do you know how Chinese and Japanese relics came to be found on Neukdo Island? Neukdo Island was an international trade port connecting the Korean Peninsula with China and Japan. Gaya exported high quality ironware to other countries via sea routes and simultaneously exchanged both culture and goods with different countries. However, as navigation developed and the scale of sea trade expanded, the small trade port on Neukdo Island was no longer adequate. Gaya required a bigger port to accommodate larger vessels. As the port in south-eastern Gimhae developed, the era of Geumgwan Gaya began. Gimhae enjoyed an advantageous geographic location, sitting on the banks of the second largest river in the Korean Peninsula. The large port in Gimhae accelerated the development of Geumgwan Gaya.
- 13 - Gallery R3 11. The Foundation of Geumgwan Gaya
[Narration] During the 20th century, an unusual incident occurred in Gimhae, the region located in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula. Heavy rains caused a landslide and unearthed a bounty of relics. Over 550 ancient tombs and some 5,000 artifacts were discovered in an area four times the size of a soccer field. [Tourist] That’s incredible! Which kingdom did the relics come from? [Narration] Considering the characteristics of the relics, historians presume that they belonged to the kings and nobles of the Geumgwan Gaya, as they date from the 1st to the 4th century. The display here consists of artifacts unearthed by the landslide. Many iron swords and spears were found. During that time, iron weapons were a symbol of power; whoever possessed iron dominated their world. Therefore, they could only have belonged to members of the ruling elite. [Tourist] I understand. But why did they bury these items in tombs? Did the ruling elite want to flaunt their power even in the afterlife? [Narration] Um… In a manner of speaking, yes. It was mainly because people believed that the life they led in this world would continue in the next world. Thus artifacts were buried with the dead in the hopes that the deceased person would maintain his authority and wealth. Ancient Egyptians also believed in the existence of eternal life in the next world and considered a tomb to be the new home of the deceased. The various treasures, including the famous golden mask and
- 14 - crown, excavated from Tutankhamen’s tomb in Egypt are good examples of this practice. The iron pot displayed at the end on the left comes from the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. It provides evidence that Gaya enhanced its economy and political power by exporting iron and trading with other countries.
- 15 - Gallery R3 12. 작지만 큰 나라, 가야제국과 금관가야
[선생님] 지금 보시는 전시품들은 4 세기 바로 이곳, 김해 땅을 호령했던 금관가 야에서 만든 것들이에요. 가야는 신라, 백제처럼 왕이 다스리는 하나의 나라가 아니라 금관가야, 대가야, 아라가야 같은 나라들이 모인 연맹체였는데요, 그중에 서도 금관가야는 전기 가야연맹을 이끌던 주인공이었답니다. 그래서 이렇게 훌륭 한 유물들이 이곳 김해 대성동 고분들에서 발견되는 거죠. [여학생] 여기 길다란 다리 달린 그릇들이요, 가야 거 맞아요? 저 경주박물관에 서 똑같은 거 봤는데. [선생님] 아, 굽다리접시 말이시군요. 네, 경주에서도 많이 발견되죠. 그릇의 굽 이 다리처럼 긴 이런 그릇들을 통틀어 굽다리접시라고 불러요. 그런데, 가야의 굽다리접시는 신라 것과는 구분되는 특징이 있답니다. 바로 굽다리에 작은 네모 구멍이 아래위로 나란히 뚫려있다는 거죠. 일반적으로 신라 것들은 구멍이 엇갈 려서 나 있거든요. [여학생] 와! 굽다리 접시로 가야와 신라의 문화의 차이를 발견할 수 있다니 놀 라운데요? 저는 가야가 작은 나라로만 알았는데. [선생님] 음. 가야를 약한 나라라고 생각한다니 제 마음이 아프네요. 대부분 삼 국시대라는 말이 일반적일 정도로 역사 속에서는 강인한 나라 하면 고구려, 백 제, 신라를 떠올리죠. 하지만 조선시대만 해도 앞서 가던 실학자들은 그때 당시 를 ‘사국시대’라고 불렀다고 해요. 그 이유는 금관가야가 삼국과 어깨를 나란히 할 만큼 부강한 나라였기 때문이에요. 금관가야는 철광석이 풍부한데다 철을 가 공하는 뛰어난 기술로 철기문화를 이룩했던 나라였거든요. 그뿐 아니라 중국과 일본을 잇는 국제적인 무역항이었던 이곳 김해를 통해 철기를 수출하며 세계로 뻗어 나간 진취적인 나라였던 거죠.
- 16 - 13. The Symbol of Authority, a Sword with a Gallery R3 Round Pommel
These swords were excavated from the region formerly occupied by Gaya. Sword manufacturing was considered the epitome of quality metalwork. This sword was manufactured using a special integrated metal technique of Gaya. Only a very few of the highest-ranking members of society possessed this type of sword, which symbolized the authority of Gaya’s ruling elite. Can you see the leaf pattern on the sword’s hilt? Motifs featuring dragons and phoenixes were also popular decorations for swords with round pommels. These opulent, elegant ornaments emphasized the authority of those who carried them. The iron has rusted over time, so the sword’s current appearance is not as attractive as it would have been originally. However, it still retains a sense of dignity simply because it was produced by Gaya artisans using the most sophisticated methods available at that time. This type of sword was manufactured throughout the Korean Peninsula in approximately the 1st century. Thus the same style of sword is commonly found in ancient tombs of kings and queens all over the Korean Peninsula, indicating that they were powerful, symbolic objects.
- 17 - Gallery R3 14. The New Leader, Dae Gaya
Let’s now take a look at the relics of Dae Gaya, the rulers of the Gaya Confederacy during its later period. Geumgwan Gaya began to decline after it was attacked by two allied kingdoms during the late 4th and early 5th centuries. The rapidly developing polity of Dae Gaya soon took over Geumgwan Gaya’s position, and became the leader of the confederacy. Just as the word Dae means ‘great’, the tombs of Dae Gaya kings possessed a profusion of great and luxurious artifacts. The most popular relic is the gilt-bronze crown displayed in the middle. The predominant motif of the crown features blades of grass and lotus buds. This type of crown was mainly found in Dae Gaya, and suggests that there was a strong leader who was deserving of such a crown, just like the king of a kingdom. Let’s turn around and look at some more artifacts. Can you see the long sword? Although it is rusty, the sword retains dignity. The focal point of the sword is the hilt. If you look closely, you will see a small, delicate, oriental phoenix ornament. The higher the social status of a sword’s owner, the more elaborate the ornamentation became. Thus, mystical animals such as dragons and phoenixes were only used by people of the highest social status. This sword provides further evidence that Dae Gaya was indeed a wealthy country under strong leadership.
- 18 - Gallery R3 15. Fashion to Express Oneself, Ornaments of Gaya
Now we will learn something about the ornaments of Gaya. In those days, ornaments were not only used for personal beautification, but also to signify authority and to prevent misfortune. In ancient western societies, similarly, kings and nobles wore extravagant crowns and accessories to accentuate their dignity and signify their authority. By the 4th century, Gaya ornaments were mostly made of glass beads, crystal or jade. Compared to western jewels such as diamonds and emeralds they may seem humble, but they were rare and precious materials in Korea at that time. When Gaya was under the influence of its neighboring kingdoms after the 5th century, jewelry made of gold and silver became popular. Many gold ornaments were then produced including gold earrings, rings and crowns. This gilt-bronze crown is assumed to have been influenced by the style of Silla, a powerful kingdom neighboring Gaya. However, its shape differs from that of a Silla crown. This Gaya gilt-bronze crown possesses a unique beauty all its own. As we have seen, the ornaments of Gaya evolved with the introduction of innovative materials and advances in jewelry-making techniques. Such ornaments accentuated both the body and the social position of the person wearing them.
- 19 - Gallery R3 16. Gaya Disappears in a Golden Flash
[Narration] The artifacts we can see here are evidence of Gaya’s exchange with foreign countries. The pendant silver ornaments of the belt and the gold earrings were all made under the influence of Silla, a powerful neighboring kingdom of Gaya. Unfortunately, these luxurious ornaments were made around the time Gaya collapsed due to pressure from its more powerful neighbors. [Tourist] How is that? I would have thought that these extravagant ornaments were indicative of a strong, economically wealthy Gaya Confederacy. [Narration] I agree, but politically, the confederacy was continually embroiled in conflicts with neighboring countries over territorial expansion. [Tourist] I don’t understand. How could they make such luxurious items in the midst of defeat? [Narration] Most of the small Gaya polities were absorbed into the Silla kingdom without conflict. They engaged in pragmatic diplomacy and had already been under the cultural and economic influence of Silla for a long time. The ornaments and earthenware produced by those particular Gaya polities were influenced by Silla’s style.
- 20 - [Tourist] I see. Were most of the Gaya polities dependent on Silla at that time? [Narration] No. While a strong Gaya polity led the confederacy, Gaya experienced political peace. The independent culture of Gaya, represented by its iron industry and unique earthenware, was established during that period. Gaya’s stringed instrument called gayageum is now one of the most popular traditional Korean musical instruments. From this example, you can appreciate the sophistication of Gaya’s culture.
- 21 - Gallery R4 17. Beyond the Storehouses and Pottery of Gaya
[Narration] Can you see the large jars in the middle of the exhibition room? [Tourist] Wow! What’s inside them? They’re huge! [Narration] Ha-ha! Follow me and you will find out. Besides those jars, other artifacts pertaining to the lifestyle of Gaya people are displayed in this room. First, let’s see what there is. [Tourist] That sounds interesting. [Narration] Please walk inside along the path to the right of the jars. Can you see the pottery vessel resembling a house on the right? This object was made to replicate the storage houses of Gaya. At that time, food was extremely valuable and directly guaranteed survival. The people of Gaya built storage houses above the ground both to keep the stores dry and to prevent intrusion by wild animals looking for food. [Tourist] Um, that was wise. [Narration] I agree. Now let’s turn around and look at the large jars. These seven jars were made for different purposes. The wide-mouthed
- 22 - jar in the middle was used for storing grains and food. In the corner, there’s a charcoal gray-colored jar with four lugs which was used for holding water or alcohol. [Tourist] Hmm… these are all very ordinary. I’ve seen similar objects in other museums. [Narration] Only those two are ordinary. The other five jars were used in a very different way. Can you guess how they were used? [Tourist] Hmm… Besides food… Were they used to store leather or farming tools? [Narration] No, they were used to bury the dead. [Tourist] The dead! Why did they bury the dead in food storage jars? [Narration] When bodies were simply buried under the ground, they were often dug up and ravaged by animals. The bodies were placed in these jars to protect them. [Tourist] I see. Anyway, the people of Gaya appear to have been very wise. [Narration] Do you think so? As we can see, the food storage facilities of Gaya are important factors in explaining the ways of life and death of the Gaya people.
- 23 - Gallery R4 18.Birds, The Spirit Messengers
The earthenware object on the left is unique. The vessel, which resembles a duck, was buried with the deceased in a Gaya tomb. The people of Gaya believed that birds had a unique ability to travel to the next world. Thus, bird-shaped objects were buried in a tomb because they were believed to escort the dead safely to the next world. In ancient Andean culture, birds were also recognized as symbols of heaven. The condor, eagle and owl, in particular, were believed to be close to god. Nocturnal birds were thought to be related to death and the afterlife, and were believed to serve as guides on the journey to the next world. Now let’s look at the artifact on your right. Can you see the iron plate adorned with a decorative bird? A wooden pole was inserted into the plate and it was used for large parades or funeral rites. Just like the duck-shaped pottery, this was also used for the funeral. Relics featuring birds have been found throughout the world, including Gaya. It is obvious that ancient people considered birds to be special.
- 24 - Gallery R4 19.Agriculture and Cooking Culture of Gaya
These are iron farming tools from Gaya dating from the 4th century. From the 1st century B.C., Gaya produced swords and axes using their abundant deposits of iron ore. Iron farming implements enhanced agricultural productivity and thereby facilitated the development of Gaya. The shovel-shaped farming tool on the right was used to dig channels for water and push the roots of plants into the soil. The next implement is an iron sickle that was used to reap rice. As these iron farming implements developed, the people of Gaya could farm the land with greater ease and efficacy. So how did the people of Gaya cook and store their harvests? Look at the piece of pottery on the left. This is an earthenware steamer. Koreans have used steamers to cook food for a long, long time and they are still used to cook rice cakes today. The people of Gaya boiled or steamed their crops in steamers such as this one. Isn’t it surprising that the same cooking equipment we use today was used 1,700 years ago? As we can see, Gaya’s agriculture flourished as a result of both abundant natural resources and advanced technology.
- 25 - Gallery R5 20.Gaya Pottery
Gaya Pottery When people of the Neolithic Age settled down in one place and began farming, they needed vessels to store the grain they produced. Earthenware was invented and made with soil, an obviously common and widely available material. This primitive pottery was “high-tech” at the time. Gaya pottery generally refers to the popular pottery manufactured in the Gimhae region from the 1st century B.C. to the 7th century A.D. These particular vessels were manufactured between the 4th and 6th centuries. Take special notice of the color of the pottery. The pieces are mainly red and gray. The different colors were produced using different firing methods. The red pottery in the middle of the glass case was fired outside in an underground kiln. The material used was soft and brittle when moist, but able to withstand high temperatures, so these vessels made ideal cooking pots. The gray pottery, however, was fired in a cave-shaped kiln at higher temperatures. The temperatures caused the clay particles to bind tightly together, which resulted in hard, durable products. Preventing the influx of oxygen elevated the iron content and increased the depth of color. As demonstrated here, the earthenware of Gaya evolved due to the advancement of manufacturing techniques.
- 26 - Gallery R5 21.Characters and Symbols of Gaya
These are pieces of earthenware inscribed with characters and symbols. The pieces at the end on the left in particular are inscribed with various symbols, but nobody has been able to interpret their meaning yet. Some people insist that these are letters. Due to its vibrant iron industry, Gaya frequently traded with China. Writing brushes and knives used to erase inscriptions from wood have been found at historic Gaya sites dating from the 1st century B.C. It is suggested that the people of Gaya used letters from around that time. Other people assert that these symbols were inscribed to indicate ownership of the pottery. It is possible that they were used to distinguish people’s earthenware possessions. The symbols of Gaya remain a mystery today. You might be the first person to solve the mystery and understand their meaning, so please take a close look!
- 27 - Gallery R5 22.Earthenware Figurines
Now let’s turn around and see what is displayed on the wall. There is an earthenware figurine shaped like a duck. This is a typical example of a particular type of Gaya earthenware, and each piece was sculpted to resemble people, animals or objects. Look at the duck figurine at the end on your left. Can you see the holes in its back and tail? The holes enabled liquid to be poured in and out of the figurine, which suggests that the piece was used as a kettle. These earthenware figurines were generally filled with either water or alcohol for use during ancestral rituals, or as funerary goods to be buried in tombs. The figurines of certain animals and objects had special meanings. Ducks, for example, symbolized people’s hope that the spirit of the dead would fly as well as a bird to heaven. The cart and vessel figurines that you saw downstairs symbolize the successful delivery of the spirit to heaven. Now let’s look at the kernelled cup in the middle. This cup is fitted with a stone or clay bead inside its hollow body, which makes a sound like a bell if the cup is shaken when completely empty. Commanders used to drink alcohol from the kernelled cups to raise their morale. Blood was also drunk from such cups when pledging allegiance.
- 28 - Gallery R5 23.Ara Gaya
[Narration] The Ara Gaya pottery displayed in this case has distinctive features compared to pottery from other parts of Gaya. Can you spot the differences? [Tourist] Um… ah, I know! The stems of the vessels have an unusual design! [Narration] Well done! So far, we have only seen triangular or square cut-outs on the stems of vessels, but this one is different. This flame cut-out was only produced in Ara Gaya. [Tourist] I thought it was shaped like a water droplet! Flames make a much stronger impression. [Narration] I agree. Also, did you see the piece of pottery resembling a cart on the left of the entrance? That artifact was made in Ara Gaya as well. The pretty bracken decoration is also unique. [Tourist] I must go back and look at it properly. Why was the pottery of Ara Gaya so different? [Narration] Ara Gaya was located in an area surrounded by mountains and there weren’t many opportunities for interaction with other regions. Moreover, farmland in the area was plentiful and allowed the people a comfortable existence. It was the second largest polity in Gaya, and is known as the ‘Switzerland of Korea’ due to its political peacefulness. These favorable living conditions promoted creativity and so these unique pieces of pottery were produced.
- 29 - Gallery R5 24.The Small Gaya in the Gaya Confederacy, So Gaya
This plain, simple pottery was made in So Gaya. Although the name ‘So Gaya’ means ‘Small Gaya’, it managed to develop a splendid culture lasting from the 1st to the 4th century. Unfortunately, the polity suffered after being caught up in the wars of its powerful neighboring kingdoms and collapsed after 300 years. This earthenware reflects the history of So Gaya. In the 5th century, when Dae Gaya emerged nearby as the new leader of the Gaya Confederacy, So Gaya naturally came under its influence. Thus the pottery we see here was also influenced by Dae Gaya’s style. Moreover, the pottery of So Gaya lost its unique characteristics completely when the powerful neighboring kingdom of Silla became more influential during the 6th century. The tragedy of So Gaya was largely the result of the confederate system of Gaya. As demonstrated earlier, the advantage of a confederacy was that it allowed the development of independent cultures, but politically speaking, there was frequent tension. The confederacy suffered from endless conflicts and in the end was absorbed by a more powerful kingdom. Just as civilized Athens could not resist the Macedonian troops of Alexander the Great, the Gaya Confederacy collapsed under the strain of internal fighting and succumbed to the stronger leadership of the neighboring kingdoms.
- 30 - Gallery R5 25. Brazier-shaped Pottery
These artifacts were found in the complex of ancient tombs in Gimhae. Many pottery vessels had stems; and the triangular or square cut-outs in the stem are unique features of this pottery. . This type of pottery has only been found in the south-east of the Korean Peninsula, but the styles of the vessels differ from region to region. Each region was organized into a different polity. Each of their name includes ‘Gaya,’ and it indicated that they were members of the Gaya Confederacy, in much the same way that ancient Greece was composed of many independent city-states including Athens and Sparta. These are relics from Geumgwan Gaya, the early leaders of the Gaya Confederacy, which existed from the 1st to the early 6th century. Gimhae was the seat of Geumgwan Gaya. It had an impressive iron industry based on abundant deposits of iron ore and advanced iron manufacturing technology. Moreover, Geumgwan Gaya was a powerful trader of iron products, using its international trade port in Gimhae to connect with both China and Japan.
- 31 - 26.The Evolution of War-Development of New Gallery R6 Weapons
The possession of powerful weaponry determines the outcome of wars, and all the more so today. The Gaya Confederacy, frequently involved in numerous conflicts and wars, employed the most advanced weapons technology available at the time. These exhibitions demonstrate the sequence of weapon development in the Gaya region. From the late 2nd to the 3rd century, fast-growing Gaya polities fought against each other in a prolonged struggle to expand their own territories. Weapons before that time had evolved consequently. Short-range weapons disappeared and long-range weapons such as spears and bows became common. The long, sharp iron spear in the middle is an example of the weaponry of the time. Spears were an all-purpose weapon and had the advantage of being able to both stab and slash the enemy. During the 4th century, sharper weapons were developed as wars became more violent. The arrowheads on the right are longer than previous designs, and were capable of flying further and penetrating deeply into enemy flesh. Weapons evolved again to enable greater numbers of people to fight fiercely from a greater distance.
- 32 - Gallery R6 27.Iron Armor of Gaya
Here you can see a suit of iron armor and an iron helmet from Gaya. Up until the third century, wooden or leather armor was used to protect the body during battle. From the fourth century, however, the people of Gaya began making armor and helmets out of iron. This early protective equipment was made by linking shaped iron plates together. Iron armor from Gaya was consistent in design and style throughout the Gaya territory. It indicates that the armor was manufactured in large quantities and distributed to soldiers. However, such iron clothing, made with nails and leather, was heavy and thus restricted a soldier’s movement. For this reason, lighter, less restrictive iron-scale armor was quickly adopted upon its invention in the fifth century. It was much more convenient for soldiers on horseback. This suit of armor and helmet from Gaya differs from those worn in Greece or Rome. The bronze helmets of ancient Greece had openings for the eyes and mouth, while Roman armor only protected the shoulders and torso with layers of metal scales. Based on an abundance of iron and advanced iron manufacturing skills, the Gaya Confederacy developed more effective military equipment and increased its military strength.
- 33 - Gallery R6 28.The Evolution of War, Cavalry Battle
From now on, we will look at the equipment used during cavalry battles. Not only Korea, but also China and many European countries fought against the nomads of the north, so they needed units of skilled riders in their armies. Unlike the tribes inhabiting the highlands of Central Asia and Siberia, Korean people who lived on the plains of the south seldom rode horses as they had settled down and begun farming. Thus the Gaya only developed cavalry tactics during the 4th century. Although Gaya began to use cavalry at a later date, Gaya people developed various kinds of harnesses using their knowledge of ironwork. The iron plate on your left is a piece of armor designed for a horse. If horses were protected on the battlefield, their riders were also afforded a greater degree of safety. Especially during the late 5th century, horse harnesses with elaborate decorations were common to dishearten the enemy and to improve the morale of home troops in battle. The horseback flagpole in the middle was designed to be laid across a horse’s back, allowing both hands of the cavalryman to remain free. An elaborate saddle on the left was designed for the same reason.
- 34 - Gallery R6 29.Horse Armor
This artifact is a suit of armor designed to be worn by a horse, and was excavated from the region formerly occupied by Gaya. As you can see, the neck, chest and body plates of the armor have each been perfectly preserved. At that time, when conflicts between kingdoms were frequent, powerful iron weaponry was commonly deployed. Strong armor was therefore necessary to protect both troops and horses. Armor was necessary equipment not only for soldiers, but also for horses in battle. Gaya was able to produce them due to its superior ironworking skills. Indeed, the advanced iron production of Gaya permitted the simultaneous development of both weaponry and protective armory. Horse armor was also found in western countries. Knights, even before the Crusades, protected their bodies with dazzling plate mail and their horses with silvery armor. Imagine a brigade of cavalry mounted on armored horses and armed with spears advancing towards the enemy. It’s easy to see how their sudden attack would successfully disrupt the enemy? The combination of iron weapons and armored horses charging an infantry regiment is comparable to the power of a tank in modern terms. Horse armor was an innovative invention that conferred a greater chance of victory in battle.
- 35 - Gallery R6 30.Iron Kingdom, Gaya
In ancient times, iron was a significant innovation on the Korean Peninsula. Indeed, the rise and fall of a nation came to depend on the strength of its iron weaponry. Gaya led the iron revolution and produced many kinds of iron objects, including weapons, farming implements, and horse harnesses. Can you see the flat, axe-shaped lump of iron? It is an iron ingot. Such ingots could be used simply as an axe by attaching a handle, or further processed if heated and hammered. The iron ingot was a suitable medium for the mass production of iron objects. Being small and easy to transport and store, they were commonly exported to neighboring countries and kingdoms. Indeed, Gaya exported high-quality ingots to Japan in the second century. Ingots were also used as a form of currency. On the right you can see tools for processing and refining iron. The process involved heating a piece of iron, hammering it, and sharpening blades on a whetstone. The small chimney-like object is called a tuyère. Tuyères were used to inject oxygen into a furnace or kiln fire to increase the temperature. Higher temperatures produced stronger pottery and excellent quality ironwork. With abundant iron and advanced manufacturing skills, Gaya traded its commodities and became a wealthy and powerful confederacy, just like the countries of the oil-rich Middle East today.
- 36 - Gallery R7 31.International Trade of Gaya
These relics are foreign goods discovered in the former Gaya territory. Gaya was located in the south of the Korean Peninsula and took advantage of its extensive coastline to export its ironware and to actively trade with other countries. Can you see the pinwheel-like relics on the left? They are ornaments that were used to decorate the shields of soldiers. Many have been found in Japan, so how did these examples end up in Gaya? Actually, they are believed to have been a gift, and indicate that Gaya and Japan enjoyed close ties. The bronze cauldron in the middle was used by horse-riding nomads from China. This type of pot was usually hung from a horse’s saddle when travelling, and was used to cook lamb or horse meat. It has been suggested that this was the original ‘hot pot’. Its presence in Gaya indicates that there was vigorous interaction between Gaya in the southernmost part of the Korean Peninsula and the nomadic tribes in the northern part of the peninsula. In addition to these artifacts, Persian glass wares and unique bronze bells have also been found in the region. Can you imagine Gaya’s bustling international port, filled with foreign merchants from all over the world?
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