Northeast Asian History Network

Eastern Wall of the Main Chamber - Horn Bugler

This is a detailed view of the horn bugler on the eastern wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. Both large and small types of horn bugles appear in Koguryo-era tomb murals, and some even feature dual-bell horn bugles similar to modern-day dual-bell trumpets. Large horn bugles are characterized by their bowed shapes and extremely long pipes that widen toward the bell.
The horn bugler is wearing a Geon (a type of ancient headwear that wraps around the entire head and tied in the back, similar to a bandanna) on his head. Although Geons were primarily worn by valets or the lower-class during the Koguryo era, they were also used by nobility for hunting or other outdoor activities. He is wearing a Jeogori featuring Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) on the neckline, sleeves, and bottom hemline, as well as form-fitting trousers that provide high mobility known as Gung-go. Seons were essential elements of Koguryo-era attire applied to both upper garments such as Durumagis and Jeogoris regardless of gender, age, or social status.
The horn bugler in the image can be seen with puffed out cheeks while leaning forward, playing the bugle with all of his might. One can almost hear the sound of the horn bugle resonating from this mural. The horn bugle appears to be nearly as long as the bugler is tall. The exterior of the horn bugle is black, and a small portion of the interior reveals an intense red. A fish-shaped flag attached to the bell is fluttering vigorously in the wind. This flag is identical in appearance to the flag attached to the gatekeeper's spear on the eastern entrance passage wall. This excellent painting well-captured the essence of the moment.
Bands generally appear in depictions of large-scale outings on Koguryo-era tomb murals to raise the morale of the procession. Such bands are categorized into marching bands that performed while walking or marching and mounted bands that performed on horseback. Only a marching band appears in Susahn-ri Tomb as the procession depicted within is relatively small in scale. Although small in scale, the band is nonetheless a ceremonial band consisting of wind and percussion instruments.