Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Western Auxiliary Chamber - Portrait of the Deceased - Sosa

This is a detailed view of the woman standing at the far left in the portrait of the deceased in the western auxiliary chamber. An inscription next to this figure reads "Sosa" in red ink, indicating her identity. According to Chinese historical records, a Sosa was in charge of national ceremonial affairs during the Zhou Dynasty. In the Han Dynasty, however, the title had changed to a general term for low-ranking officials. The title Sosa was also used to refer to anyone handling minor affairs in government offices. Therefore, this woman is surmised to have been a maid attending to the duties of the Gisil (clerk). This figure is depicted to be standing closely by the Gisil and holding what appears to be a new wooden tablet (thin wood shavings used extensively for writing prior to the invention of paper) for the Gisil.
The woman is wearing an extravagant hairstyle and a Durumagi (traditional Korean overcoat) featuring black Seons (accents on garments mimicking the black feathers on a crane’s neck or wingtips, influenced by Siberian shamanism) on the neckline and sleeves. She is also wearing a black waistband around the Durumagi. This figure is the only woman depicted in the portrait of the deceased, and thus she is estimated to have achieved some degree of social status unlike other maids tending to the nobleman or working in the kitchen.