- Koguryo and Balhae
- Anak Tomb No. 3
Koguryo and Balhae
| Title | Eastern Wall of the Eastern Auxiliary Chamber - Kitchen | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Wall of the Eastern Auxiliary Chamber - Kitchen - Bird
This is a detailed view of the bird perched atop the kitchen roof on the eastern wall of the eastern auxiliary chamber. Its shape and black feathers strongly resemble a crow. A mythical three-legged crow is often depicted superimposed over the sun in Koguryo tomb murals. Ancient people considered the crow to be a spiritual medium capable of communicating with the heavens and the earth, carrying the sun from the east to west. Hence, birds are often depicted perched atop roofs of houses in tomb murals as ancient people believed birds safely transported the souls of the deceased into the afterlife. This is an excellent example that provides viewers with the concept of afterlife in ancient times.