- Koguryo and Balhae
- Tokhung-ri Tomb
Koguryo and Balhae
| Title | Figures 02 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Mounted archer on the western wall of the main chamber 01
This is a detailed view of the equestrian figure participating in mounted archery on the western wall of the main chamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The figure in the image is wearing a high-mobility Geon, narrow-sleeved Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment), and form-fitting trousers. This type of attire is typical for northern nomadic tribes and is suitable for mounted archery. Even the waistband serves to prevent the clothes from flapping and interfering with such activities.
The archer has passed his target and turned his body for a Parthian shot. Generally, aiming at a target that is behind or to the side of the mounted archer is far more accurate than aiming directly ahead. Mounted archers of Koguryo often trained such archery techniques through trials and hunting activities, and this is evidenced in a multitude of murals. Interestingly, the archer's horse also has its head turned back towards the target.