About this objectThis is one of five gold crowns found in late 5th-6th century royal tombs in Gyeongju, Although this one was for the occupant of the tomb, King Soji or King Jijeung, such crowns were worn also by queens or other royal family members. The occupant of the north mound of Hwangnam Daechong, where another crown was unearthed, was a woman, while that of Geumnyeongchong was a young boy.
This one is from Cheonma tomb and typically decorated with gogok, comma-shaped beads that had a role in traditional religion and are also seen in Japan, called magatama [EXH48]. The crown was possibly worn in traditional ceremonial rites. Gogok are also used on other burial items, such as necklaces.
Such crowns are reminiscent of those found in burials of the Scythian culture on the steppe to the north. At this time, Silla kings called themselves 'Maripgan' (Supreme Khan), using the same term as steppe rulers.
Date Made5th-6th c.
PeriodSilla
Subject and Association KeywordsDeath and burials
Subject and Association KeywordsBurial bling
Subject and Association DescriptionLearn More: Lee and Leidy 2013; Horlyck and Pettid 2014;
