Characteristic Features and Archaeological Significance of the Armor Excavated at the Ancient Tombs of Namseong-ri in Pohang

Abstract

The area around Heunghae -- where the ancient tombs of Namseong-ri are located -- had been a strategic point for Silla (57 BCE ~ 935) in advancing into the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. This armor, together with other related objects unearthed at the site, serves as important sources of knowledge on the armor-related tradition developed in the area during the 4th and 5th centuries. Some characteristic elements of the armor, particularly the unique manufacturing technique and rareness, suggest that the relic was produced for use as an object of prestige. The armor is considered archaeologically significant since it contains a wealth of clues to increase knowledge of the Silla armors made in the 4th century, which was characterized by the lack of source materials. For a more comprehensive understanding of the Silla armors, it is essential to examine the system of supply and demand of the armors linking the capital and regional areas. Unfortunately, however, comparatively less attention has been paid to the difference between Silla and Gaya armors and their characteristics by region. In this study, the main discussion deals with the mechanism of supply and demand of Silla armors by focusing on the armor discovered at the ancient tomb site in Namseong-ri. The study found a significant difference in the supply and demand of armors between Gyeongju, the capital of Silla, and the regions outside it in the 5th century. The study also concludes -- based on the evidence given by the Namseong-ri armor, that there was little difference between the armors supplied to Gyeongju and to regional areas in the 4th-century Silla. It was in the following century, with the arrival of scale armor, that a difference began to emerge -- not in style but in structure. The difference between the armors found in Gyeongju and those in the regions outside is clearly shown by, among others, the accessories buried at the grave together with the main parts of the armor. It was surely a new development compared with the 4th century when there was little difference between the capital and regional areas in terms of the supply and demand of armors. The development provides evidence of the significant change in the relationship between the ruling class in the capital of Silla and regional clan leaders. Evidences of such change are given by the discoveries made at the Namseong-ri tomb site in Pohang, Jungsan-ri tomb site in Ulsan, and Hwanam-ri tomb site in Yeongcheon. There have been two different views proposed on the control of the regional areas by the central government of Silla in the 4th century: one is that the rulers in Gyeongju controlled the regions indirectly, and the other is that the regions were under the direct control of the central government. As suggested by the characteristic features of the Namseong-ri armor as discussed in this paper, the relationship between the capital and regions of Silla in the 4th century can hardly be said to be that of the rulers and the ruled.