국립중앙박물관 NATIONAL MUSEUM OF KOREA

Horse Helmet

This fragment of a chamfron—protective armor for a horse’s head—comes from Okcheon Tomb M3 in Hapcheon. Goguryeo murals showing armored horses have been found in various parts of the Gaya region, including in Busan and Hapcheon. The armor was made by using rivets to connect rectangular iron plates. The chamfron includes some practical details, such as an upturned section that fit across the nose and eyeholes allowing the horse to see, indicating that it was actually used, rather than being a ritual object.