The Life and Death of Silla People

[Tourist]
Oh, this jar is decorated with figurines.

[Narration]
Yes, these small figurines are called tou in Korean, which means ‘clay figurine’. Tou do not only represent humans, but they can also be shaped like animals or even tools. They were usually made individually, although occasionally they were attached to pottery as is the case here. Let’s take a closer look at each of them.

[Tourist]
Oh, I found a snake catching a frog. And there’s a man holding a spear. But they are all very simple.

[Narration]
The expressions of tou are simple and abstract. Silla people may have wanted to express their wishes simply; for example, this person might have dreamed of being a skillful hunter.

[Tourist]
Are there figurines shown doing other things?

[Narration]
Of course! Silla people crafted human figurines singing, dancing, mourning, making love and exposing their genitals. There are also animal figurines representing tigers, eagles and turtles. Most of them symbolize wishes for fertility and prosperity.

[Tourist]
They are simple and cute. But the jar with figurines must be very fragile.

[Narration]
Usually, these clay dolls were made to be buried with the dead. Tombs were decorated in such a way as to reproduce the features of daily life in the hope that the spirits of the dead would enjoy themselves in the next world. This custom was also found in ancient Egypt, where people used to bury their dead with a figurine named ‘The Answer Man’ to accompany them into the afterworld.

There are many more clay figurines in Gyeongju National Museum. If you have the chance, please pay a visit to the museum to see the exhibits.