- Koguryo and Balhae
- Anak Tomb No. 3
Koguryo and Balhae
| Title | Western Wall of the Eastern Auxiliary Chamber - Mill | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Western Wall of the Eastern Auxiliary Chamber - Mill
This is a detailed view of the mill depicted on the northern section of the western wall in the eastern auxiliary chamber. Both ends of the roof are decorated with Chimis (literally "tail of sparrow hawk" and known as ‘Chiwei’ in Chinese), or decorative elements attached to the ends of a roof ridge during ancient times. There are various theories for the Chimi's origin, but the most common view is that they were derived from the ethereal bird Bonghwang that represents good fortune. Two women are depicted in the scene with extravagant hairstyles. One can be seen winnowing on one side while the other is milling grain in a mortar using her feet. The rectangular mortar appears to be made of stone. An inscription in between the two women clearly reads "mortar" in red ink. This valuable scene provides viewers with an insight to the Koguryo-era treadmills built using the principle of leverage.