- Koguryo and Balhae
- Anak Tomb No. 3
Koguryo and Balhae
| Title | Eastern Wall of the Eastern Gallery - Procession – Archers 1 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Eastern Wall of the Eastern Gallery - Procession - Swordsmen 2
This is a detailed view of the swordsmen depicted on the eastern gallery wall in Anak Tomb No. 3. Two pairs of swordsmen appear in the mural between spearmen and cavalrymen. The swordsmen in the image appear in the top portion of the mural. The primary weapon for these swordsmen was the Hwandudaedo, or ring-pommel sword. Koguryo infantry was divided into light infantry and the heavily-armored heavy infantry. The swordsmen in the image are only wearing armor and military attaché Chaeks (headwear with cone-shaped points) instead of helmets. Wooden shields can be seen hanging by red straps from the Hwandudaedos resting over the shoulders of these swordsmen. This is a rare and unusual depiction. This would almost certainly not be a common sight during a real battle and is interpreted to be a design choice for this festive procession. The swordsmen's hands holding the Hwandudaedos are rather interesting.