The Home of the Flame-shaped Cut-outs, Ara Gaya

[Narration]
The Ara Gaya pottery displayed in this case has distinctive features compared to pottery from other parts of Gaya. Can you spot the differences?

[Tourist]
Um… ah, I know! The stems of the vessels have an unusual design!

[Narration]
Well done! So far, we have only seen triangular or square cut-outs on the stems of vessels, but this one is different. This flame cut-out was only produced in Ara Gaya.

[Tourist]
I thought it was shaped like a water droplet! Flames make a much stronger impression.

[Narration]
I agree. Also, did you see the piece of pottery resembling a cart on the left of the entrance? That artifact was made in Ara Gaya as well. The pretty bracken decoration is also unique.

[Tourist]
I must go back and look at it properly. Why was the pottery of Ara Gaya so different?

[Narration]
Ara Gaya was located in an area surrounded by mountains and there weren’t many opportunities for interaction with other regions. Moreover, farmland in the area was plentiful and allowed the people a comfortable existence. It was the second largest polity in Gaya, and is known as the ‘Switzerland of Korea’ due to its political peacefulness. These favorable living conditions promoted creativity and so these unique pieces of pottery were produced.