The Present Conditions and Meaning of the ritual implements for the land-God(地鎭具) in Baekje

Abstract

This study analyzes the remains related to the ritual implements for the land-God identified in the Woongjin ~ Sabi period ruins of Baekje. Through this, the characteristics and changes of the types of the ritual implements for the land-God(地鎭具) were identified. In Baekje, ritual implements for the land-God are confirmed in both the building site and the tomb. The rituals of land-God were centered on the building site during the Hansung- Woongjin period. However, during the Sabi period, it is possible to see the rituals of land- God taking place by concentrating on individual building sites. The Sabi period ritual implements for the land-God is buried in a land adjacent to individual building sites, which is different from the ritual implements for the land-God held at the base or at the base of individual building sites during the Unified Silla and Joseon Dynasty. The rituals identified in the ancient tomb group are both rituals of land-God for the entire site of the ancient tomb group and individual tomb. The rituals for land-God for the entire ancient tomb group are mainly confirmed in the site formation layer for the construction of the ancient tomb group in Seokchon-dong, Hansung period, but after Woongjin period, the ritual for land-God is changed to take place around individual tombs. In other words, it can be inferred that after the tomb of King Muryeong during the Woongjin period, the rituals for land-God were changed through a special treat and contribution to the land god after burial, avoid disaster and protect the tomb by comforting the soul. It's a “Haeto(解土)” Baekje's the ritual implements for the land-God were made in the building site and ancient tombs. We can be distinguished from the scope and meaning of rituals during the Hansung- Woongjin period and Sabi period based on the excavated location of the rituals for land-God. The ritual implements for the land-God districts during the Hansung-Woongjin period were almost buried around the cemetery or the building site and have a strong meaning of contribution to the well-being and blessing of the whole. On the other hand, rituals for land-God are held by concentrating on individual building sites and tomb units, and prayed for the repelling evil spirits(辟邪) and repose of souls(鎭魂), Safety of the target structure through the ritual for land-God.