Korean Art His: Week 1 - Petroglyphs

What is the english title of the “Petroglyphs”?

Bangudae Petroglyohs or Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace

What time period is the Petroglyphs from?

Late Neolithic period to Bronze Age

What location are the Petroglyphs located?

Daegok-ri, Ulju | engraved on large rock surface in a deep river valley (ritual/sacred space)

How many work layers are on the petroglyophs?

4

What are the 3 work processes (sub stages)?

1. early whale huntings

2. expanded marine ecosystem scene

3. more symbolic/less awe-filled whale descriptions

progression shows increasing technical skill, complexity and changing subject matter

What is shown in Layer 1?

• Simple outline engravings, small, unorganized

• Mostly land animals, little composition

What is shown in Layer 2?

• More refined silhouette engravings

• Better proportions and clearer animal identification

• Organized composition begins

What is shown in Layer 3?

• Major shift to marine animals (especially whales)

• Large-scale, complex compositions, bird’s-eye view

• Strong ritual narrative scenes

What is shown in Layer 4?

• Return to land animals (especially predators)

• Deep engraving + added texture (dots, lines)

• Most technically advanced and detailed

What animals are shown in Layer 1 and what do they represent?

• Mix of predators and herbivores

• Represent basic spiritual/magical control over animals

What animals are shown in Layer 2 and what do they represent?

• Mostly grass-eating animals (deer) + some small animals

• Reflect organized hunting practices and ritual success

What animals are shown in Layer 3 and what do they represent?

• Whales, sharks, turtles, birds (cormorants)

• Represent marine hunting, survival, and ritual importance of whales

• Show awe, dependence, and spiritual connection to sea animals

What animals are shown in Layer 4 and what do they represent?

• Predators and powerful land animals

• Represent strength, fear, and possibly fertility/prolificacy (pregnant animals)

What do the human figures represent?

• Appear most clearly in the third layer

• Include:

  • Whale hunters in boats → show subsistence and cooperation

  • Shaman figure (exaggerated limbs) → indicates ritual leadership/spiritual mediation

• Humans are tied to:

  • Ritual practices (especially whale hunting rituals)

  • Belief in spiritual control or communication with animals

Figurative vs Geometric/Symbolic Patterns

• Figurative patterns:

  • Depict real-world subjects (animals, humans, tools)

  • Based on observation and lived experience

  • Dominant in Bangudae petroglyphs

  • Used for ritual, storytelling, and hunting magic

• Geometric/symbolic patterns:

  • Include lines, circles, abstract motifs

  • Represent ideas, concepts, or forces not easily depicted (nature, beliefs, social meaning)

  • More common in Bronze Age artifacts (e.g., Cheonjeon-ri)

• Key difference:

  • Figurative = concrete & narrative

  • Symbolic = abstract & conceptual