A large number of high-quality lacquered wooden artifacts, modeled after birds and boats, were discovered in the Gaya period ruins at Bonghwang-dong, Gimhae, South Korea. These artifacts give insights into the vessels and offerings used by ancient Gaya elites during rituals. The National Institute of Cultural Heritage’s Gaya Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced the findings from the 10th excavation of the Bonghwang-dong site. The discoveries were unearthed alongside traces of old village infrastructure, indicating a large settlement, from a layer of organic material located approximately 0.7 meters underground.
Within the relatively small excavation area of about 109 square meters, over 300 wooden artifacts were found, including premium quality wooden lacquered objects produced and used from the 1st to 4th centuries. Notably, 15 long-necked lacquered pedestal dishes were uncovered. These dishes are more refined and slender, with neck diameters of only 1 cm, compared to previously found items with necks measuring 3-4 cm in diameter. Traces of tools suggesting a rotating carving technique indicate that this method was developed in the early Bronze Age or the Byeonhan period, highlighting ancient woodworking craftsmanship.
The site yielded a variety of artifacts including lacquered items with intricate designs, wooden vessels modeled after Gaya pottery jars, bird-shaped wooden ritual objects, and various everyday utensils like spatulas, containers, and cups. Tools associated with spinning and weaving, such as spindle wheels and loom parts, were also found, as well as agricultural tools. Notably, the bird-shaped wooden objects resemble those used in ancient Japanese Yayoi to Kofun period rituals, suggesting a cultural exchange or similarity.
This discovery challenges previous assumptions, as long-necked lacquered dishes, believed to be exclusive to high-status graves, were predominantly found in residential areas. The findings imply that the Bonghwang-dong site was a significant residential area from the 1st century and later evolved into a central royal site for the Geumgwan Gaya. The ongoing excavation has been part of efforts to uncover the nature of the Geumgwan Gaya royal fortress since 2015, with various artifacts connected to Byeonhan elites being discovered in the process.