Conservation Treatment Begins for Horse Armor and Gilt-Bronze Crown Excavated from Silla General's Tomb

Artifacts from Hwangnam-dong Deotneol Tomb No.1 in Gyeongju
Comparative Study with Chuksaem Finds
Analysis of Manufacturing Techniques and Structure

Horse armor and human armor excavated from the No. 1 wooden coffin tomb in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju.

The Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage announced on April 22 that it will begin conservation treatment and analytical research on key artifacts excavated from a Silla general's tomb, including horse armor, human armor, and a gilt-bronze crown.

The subjects of this research are artifacts unearthed by the Silla Cultural Heritage Research Institute from the Deotneol tomb No.1 in Hwangnam-dong, Gyeongju. In the main burial chamber of the tomb, known as the main deotneol, skeletal remains believed to belong to the tomb’s owner were found alongside parts of a gilt-bronze crown. In the adjoining deotneol, which served as a repository for grave goods, horse armor, human armor, a helmet, and skeletal remains presumed to be those of an attendant were discovered.

The human armor is a scale armor made from iron plates, and was found complete with pieces covering the neck, arms, and legs. The gilt-bronze crown is an early example among Silla capital excavation finds, showcasing Silla’s metalworking techniques and the early forms of its ornaments.

Appearance at the time of discovery of the gilt-bronze crown (left) and its condition after recovery.

These artifacts were transferred to the Gyeongju National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage on April 17 and have entered conservation treatment. Metal artifacts will be treated to stabilize corrosion and minimize structural deformation. A researcher at the institute stated, "We plan to analyze the methods of assembly, manufacturing techniques, and structural features by examining both the traces of manufacture on the surfaces and interiors of the artifacts, as well as any remaining organic materials such as fibers and leather."

For the armor artifacts, such as the horse and human armor, comparative studies will be conducted with finds from the Chuksaem C10 tomb in Gyeongju. The gilt-bronze crown will be restored to its original form through conservation and publicly displayed. Its manufacturing techniques, developmental process of its form, and motif characteristics will be clarified through comparison with previously discovered Silla gilt-bronze crowns.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.