국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Bronze Ritual Artifact

This bronze object is engraved with images that seem to depict farming activities from the Bronze Age. One side of the object is engraved with a scene of birds perched in a tree, an image reminiscent of a sotdae, a Korean guardian pole traditionally placed near the boundary of a village. The opposite side features three scenes of human figures: a nude man with a large feather in his hair tills a field, another man raises a hoe over his head, and a third person places something into a jar. Likely used during farming rituals, this object is believed to represent prayers for prosperity and a bountiful harvest.