Bronze Rattles from Deoksan (Presumed)

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.255

Category

Craft

Era

청동기시대(기원전 3세기후반경)

Designated year

1990

Location

용산구, 서울특별시— 서울특별시 용산구 서빙고로 137 (용산동6가, 국립중앙박물관)

Coordinates

37.538427, 126.965444

These items were unearthed near the tomb of the father of Prince Regent Heungseon Daewongun in Yesan. It is thought they were used by religious leaders, who also served as political leaders, as objects that were supposed to have magical powers during the Bronze Age. The Unearthed items consisted of a pair of octagonal star-shaped bodies with a bell attached to each of the eight edges, a pair of dumbbell-shaped bodies, a pair of artillery shell-shaped bodies, and; an “e”-shaped body. Each one of the “octagonal” bodies measures 14.4cm and 14.3cm in diameter, with the bell measuring 2.4cm in diameter attached to each edge of the octagon. Each bell has four oval-shaped holes. The bodies have two or three dotted lines on the outer side, with a large “十” shaped pattern in the center, supposedly representing the sun. A “[ ]”-shaped knot is attached to the rear side of the bodies. As for the dumbbell-shaped bodies, they measure 19.7cm and 19.8cm in length and 170.3mg and 172mg in weight. Each of the bells attached to both ends of the “dumbbell” has four oval-shaped holes, with bronze beads contained in it. Concerning the “e”-shaped body, it is 17.3cm long, with each bell being 4.4cm in diameter and weighing 628mg. Each of the body has a ring attached to it. Each of the pair of artillery shell-shaped bodies measures 14.7cm and 14.9cm in height and 616.5mg and 571mg in weight. It is thought these relics dated back to the late 3rd Century BC.

Location