Shape and Symbolism of Earrings excavated in Gaya’s ancient-tombs

The hanging earrings, recently excavated from the Gaya’s ancient-tombs, were designated as treasures as they were recognized for their value as important historical materials that showed outstanding metalworking skills at the time. These earrings exhibit the characteristics of Thin Solid Earrings, and in the decoration of the bottom of the main ring, a specific fruit shape and heart-shaped decoration were identified in common. This decoration was defined as a Cape Jasmine-type, and was interpreted as a repetitive sculpture representing the era. This study discussed the origins of ornamental decorations defined as the Cape Jasmine-type (Sanchija-type) by considering the shape of the ornament, whether or not the Cape Jasmine (Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis; Korean name Sanchija) was native to southern Korea, historical records, and the degree and importance of use in daily life. The authors reported that the Gaya earrings excavated from Gaya’s ancient-tombs recently have an obovate shape, a sharp trigonous shape with a triangular cross section, a spur shape at the tip of a triangular shape, a heart-shaped ornament, nationally cultivated domestication, an important food source, and firewood. In the characteristics of various historical and cultural records including Jacheongbijeon, and the symbolism of vitality and fertility, it was decide as Buckwheat-type rather than Cape Jesmine-type. This is a historical document that shows the importance of buckwheat, which was highly useful and closely related to the survival of the time, as well as the decorative function of earrings. Furthermore, it was inferred that the group that stably managed and maintained it played a role as the ruling class of the state. This type of the earring in Gaya influenced the decorative culture of neighboring countries such as Baekje, Silla, and Japan, and a common form is appearing. Therefore, it is expected that the correct regulation of the Gaya excavations, which has become the center of this type, can provide important meaning to the historical and cultural interpretation of the countries and regions of the relevant sphere of influence. In the future, for a clear interpretation of the shape and symbolism of the golden earrings excavated from the Gaya’s ancient tombs, the development process of royal power including the governance of Gaya, the history of agricultural development, comparison with related relics of Silla and Baekje, and comparative review of linguistic data Research is needed.