Northeast Asian History Network

Western Wall of the Main Chamber - Maids

This is a detailed view of the two maids depicted at the end of the procession on the western wall of the main chamber in Susahn-ri Tomb. In a sharp contrast to the preceding ladies, the maids' hairstyles, attire, and makeup appear quite plain in a candid display of disparity between the upper-class nobility and lower class women of Koguryo. In addition to their appearance, the difference in scale effectively allude to the low social status of the maids.
Other than their facial features, the maids are nearly identical in hair and attire. Unlike the lavish hairstyles seen on the ladies in the procession, the maids are wearing their hair in a simple, raised style. The basic attire for women during the Koguryo era consisted of a Jeogori (traditional Korean upper garment) and skirt. Both maids wearing light yellow Jeogoris featuring black 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. The skirts hang over their feet, and the pleats are very narrow. Seons were a common feature in garments worn by northern nomadic tribes. In addition to the decorative effect, the Seon also has a practical purpose of preventing wear. As the necklines, sleeves, and hemlines of garments are prone to wear, these robes were reinforced with different color fabric in each of these areas, thereby enhancing practicality and decoration. Although Seons were applied to Koguryo-era upper garments regardless of gender, age, or social status, the type of fabric and the method in which they were applied differentiated the classes. Such differences can be clearly identified through the murals in Susahn-ri Tomb.
The front panels of Jeogoris (traditional Korean upper garment) were worn left to the right in a style known as U-im (Korean style for wearing traditional Hanbok; literally "panel right"). Although the opposite Jwa-im (literally "panel left") style was traditionally worn in Koguryo, both styles gained wide acceptance after U-im was introduced in the region by the Han Chinese. The plump face, flowing attire, and balanced proportions provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry.
The maids are standing in Gongsu stances (left hand placed above the right in a gesture of respect or submission) with their hands inside the sleeves. The balanced proportions and flowing attire provide viewers with a glimpse of high-level Koguryo artistry. This depiction provides viewers with a glimpse of the type of dress and hairstyles worn by lower-class women of Koguryo.