Northeast Asian History Network

Eastern Wall of the Eastern Gallery - Procession - Equestrian

This is a detailed view of the equestrian leading the procession on the eastern gallery wall in Anak Tomb No. 3. Judging by his official hat, this figure is a civil servant. Civil servants wore Chaeks (headwear) with the top split in the back and curving forward. Although civil servants primarily wore long Durumagis (traditional Korean overcoat), he is surmised to be wearing a short Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) and trousers for the high degree of mobility required in leading a procession. This figure is located at the very front of the procession looking back at the rest of the participating members. He is surmised to be a director leading the procession. He can also be seen holding a baton-like flag in the image.
The civil servant is riding a white stallion. His saddle is secured with red straps. A saddle flap can be seen on both sides of the saddle to protect the rider from mud splashes. The horse is dressed splendidly with an extravagant red covering over its back end. Judging by the horse's appearance, it's a type of short-legged pony found in the grasslands of Mongolia and prevalent in Koguryo. Their sizes were so small that they were often facetiously referred to as Gwahama, or “horse below fruit [tree]”, as they were ostensibly able to easily pass underneath fruit trees. The Samguk sagi or the History of the Three Kingdoms includes a description of these horses that states, "The horses are short and excel at climbing mountains."