Northeast Asian History Network

Southern Wall of the Antechamber (Western Section)

This is the ceremonial band depicted on the western section of the southern antechamber wall. All four members of the band can be seen wearing wide-sleeved Durumagis (traditional Korean overcoat). The musicians may be mistaken for women due to the vibrant embellishment of the Durumagis, but the official hats on their heads clearly indicate that the band members are men. The majority of bands depicted in Koguryo tomb murals consisted of men, not women. This tendency may be attributed to not only the heavy weights of the instruments used by the ceremonial bands, but the fact that the primary role of such bands was to lead soldiers into battle. The musicians can be seen kneeling on the ground while playing their instruments. Severe deterioration has made most of the instruments impossible to discern. Fortunately, the drum on the far left is still distinctly visible. Had this drum been deteriorated as well, the ceremonial band in this scene may have been mistaken for something entirely different.