Northeast Asian History Network

Gaemamusa (iron-armored lancer) in the procession on the eastern wall of the antechamber 03

This is a detailed view of a Gaemamusa depicted in the first line of the procession on the eastern wall of the antechamber in Tokhung-ri Tomb. The term Gaemamusa refers to both the soldier and the horse outfitted in heavy iron armor, and the Gaema Corps was an elite branch of the Koguryo military. The Gaemamusa corps was the first unit to enter a battle assigned with the important task of disrupting the enemy's rank-and-file (horizontal rows (ranks) and vertical columns (files) of infantry). The Gaema Cavalry was in its prime under the rule of King Gwanggaeto the Great. King Gwanggaeto the Great destroyed the Gaya confederacy through an extremely effective use of the Gaema Cavalry. The heavily-armored Gaema Cavalry was the modern-day equivalent to tanks in the Koguryo era that struck fear in the hearts of enemies.
The Gaemamusa in the image is wearing a helmet adorned in feathers and armor made of iron. The soldier's horse is also wearing a mask and armor made of iron. The horse's neck is completely wrapped in armor. One disadvantage of iron armor is its heavy weight that reduces mobility. In contrast to the horses of the military attachés, the Gaemamusa's horse conveys a sense of heavy weight in its steps. The artist's attention to detail is impressive. Bird feather decorations can be seen on the horse's head in addition to the soldier's helmet. The Gaemamusa used a lance as their primary weapon. The mounted solider, his feather-decorated lance, and iron armor all show a remarkable level of artistry. These examples are indicative of the artist's abilities.