Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Main Chamber - Procession Participants 1

This is a detailed view of the military attachés depicted behind the horse on the western wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. Due to severe deterioration, only the heads of the four figures can be clearly distinguished.
All figures are wearing black military attaché Chaeks (Headwear worn by civil servants and military attachés. Civil servants wore Chaeks with tops that were split in the back and curving forward. Military attachés wore Chaeks with cone-shaped points.) and long Durumagis (traditional Korean overcoat) that fall past their feet. They are standing in Gongsu stances (left hand placed above the right in a gesture of respect or submission), and faint remains of long Peseuls (a front flap on court or ceremonial attire; literally "knee cover") can be seen underneath the sleeves. Peseuls were worn only by royalty or high-ranking government officials for special ceremonies and sacrificial rituals.
This formation of high-ranking military attachés is indicative of the nobleman's high social status during his lifetime. The third figure from the left has his head turned as if he is conversing with the military attaché behind him.