Ancient Tombs in Yean-ri, Gimhae

These are Gaya-era tombs located around Sillye Village in Yean-ri, Gimhae. Repeated excavations have revealed various types of Gaya-period tombs overlapping one another, and many human bones have been found within them. A total of 212 tombs were investigated, comprising 64 wooden coffin pit tombs, 108 vertical rectangular stone-chamber tombs, 24 jar-coffin tombs, and 16 rectangular stone-chamber tombs with a front entrance passage. The wooden coffin pit tombs are the earliest of the Yean-ri tombs, though it remains unclear whether an actual wooden coffin was used. The relative dates of the vertical rectangular stone-chamber tombs can be distinguished from the construction of their four walls and their floor features. The jar-coffin tombs were made by joining two or three elongated jars together and measure less than 1 m in total length; as they lie adjacent to the vertical rectangular stone-chamber tombs, they are thought to be children's burials belonging to closely related family groups. The rectangular stone-chamber tombs with a front entrance passage are mostly damaged, making their overall structure difficult to establish. Among the excavated pottery are grey-white clay-textured ware, reddish-brown soft ware, and bluish-grey stoneware. Iron artefacts were also found, including iron ingots, scissors, bridle bits and knives, and a helmet was discovered in wooden coffin pit tomb No. 150. Human bones recovered from each tomb provide valuable material for identifying the tombs' occupants. Ornaments found include gold and silver earrings and beads made of glass and amber. Judging by the tomb types and the excavated artefacts, the site was in use over a long period spanning the early to late Gaya period.

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Where it is

Region

Gimhae, Gyeongnam

Designation

Historic Site · 사적