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| This image shows the map of the excavation site where a set of dragon-headed roof tiles was found in the tidal flats of Taean, South Chungcheong Province, in June and 2019. Courtesy of National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage |
By Park Ji-won
Ornamental roof tiles, used to decorate the royal buildings of the early Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), were discovered in the tidal flats of Taean, South Chungcheong Province, in June, the Cultural Heritage Administration said Thursday.
The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage found two pieces of a dragon-headed roof tile (giwa) known as "Chuidu," while conducting an archaeological survey. This is the first time that Chuidu of the early Joseon period still in its original shape has been excavated.
The relics will be on display at the Taean Maritime Museum from Aug. 31 to Sept. 5, along with similar roof tiles uncovered previously. In September 2019, a local resident uncovered the lower piece of a Chuidu while clam digging. The National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage also found one piece called "Japsang" of a sculpture of a military commander recovered from the same site in October 2019.
During the Joseon period, Chuidu and Japsang ornamental roof tiles were used only on the roofs of royal buildings such as palaces, the government organization said. Chuidu is a dragon-headed ornamental tile placed on both ends of the highest ridge on a roof. It was usually made of two to three parts ― a top part and bottom part. Japsang is a tile that decorates the hips of a roof and has various types of shapes. Pieces shaped like military commanders are placed at the end of the roof.
The shape of the newly found Chuidu is similar to the patterns of one used in Sungnyemun Gate, National Treasure No.1 which was destroyed by fire in 2008, the administration said.
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| Seen is a combined image to demonstrate ornamental roof tiles on the roof. Courtesy of National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage |
