Ancient Korean Crown Encrusted with Rare Jewel Beetle Wings Unveils Stunning Secrets from 1,400 Years Ago
Now, this discovery is shedding new light on the ritual burial practices of the Silla Kingdom.
The Artifacts Unearthed From A Silla Kingdom Tomb
Korea Heritage ServiceThe tomb in Gyeongju was fairly mundane from the outside but contained a wealth of artifacts.
The Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.E. to 935 C.E.) was one of ancient Korea’s Three Kingdoms, alongside Baekje and Goguryeo, and the first to unify the Korean Peninsula. The Silla Kingdom, in particular, was known for its extensive cultural exchanges with other parts of Asia, Buddhist influence, and sophisticated art and craftsmanship.
Gyeongju, historically known as Seorabeol, once served as the royal capital.
Other artifacts recovered from the region have previously revealed the use of jewel beetle wings as a decorative element for the elite aristocracy, such as belts and horse harnesses. This new discovery, however, marks the first time archaeologists have found a crown adorned with beetle wings.
Jewel beetle wings were considered precious due to their emerald color, but that color has faded over the centuries. As such, researchers did not initially recognize the crown for what it was.
Korea Heritage ServiceA jewel beetle, the wings of which were used to decorate various accessories in ancient Korea.
According to a press statement from the Korea Heritage Service, archaeologists initially excavated the grave in 2020 and were shocked to find a wealth of treasures in what was an otherwise mundane tomb. Inside, however, they unearthed a range of ornamental attire from the sixth century C.E., including gold earrings, pendants, a silver belt, a bead bracelet, several silver rings, bronze shoes, and the crown.
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