Gold CrownNational Treasure #191
This crown was excavated from the Tomb of Hwangnam Daechong in Gyeongju. It features three tree-shaped uprights on the front and sides, two antler-shaped uprights on the back, and is decorated with comma-shaped gogok and gold pendants. The crown's tree and antler uprights recall the northern steppe with its abundant trees and reindeer. More abstractly, the tree uprights may symbolize a "world tree" that reaches from earth to heaven. These crowns originate from Siberian shaman headwear, and it is thought that Silla rulers of this period were themselves shaman-kings and shaman-queens. The wealth of Silla was famous in ancient times; Kumsong (ancient Gyeongju) was known as the "City of Gold," while Arab traders called Silla as a whole "the mountainous land rich in gold." For additional information, see: |