Rule the World with Light

[Narration]
The artifact we can see here is a bronze mirror.

The bronze mirrors of the time were rather more symbolic than practical although they could serve the same functional purpose as modern mirrors. The people of Gaya believed that these round, shiny mirrors were imbued with the mystical power of the sun. They were usually possessed by noblemen and signified their authority.

[Tourist]
How can this be a mirror? I can only see designs on the surface.

[Narration]
Obviously, what we are seeing here is the back of the mirror. The backs of the mirrors were adorned with various patterns, paintings and scripts.

[Tourist]
What about the front of the mirror? Is it made of glass like modern mirrors?

[Narration]
No, no. Just like in ancient western countries, the people of Gaya polished thick plates of copper or bronze until they became reflective. After a thousand years, the bronze mirror has rusted and is in far less than perfect condition. However, it was originally the color of gold.