국립김해박물관

Gaya tombs have been found to contain artifacts that prove the existence of trade relations that had been maintained with the Chinese mainland, the nomads of the northern steppes, Wa (Japan), Silla, Baekje, and Goguryeo. The objects of Chinese and Japanese origin found in the tombs of Daeseong-dong and Yangdong-ri in Gimhae, and examples of Roman glass, illustrate the highly international nature of Geumgwan Gaya. In the 5th century, Japanese metal products, such as the helmet with a visor, and a ladle made of a luminous shell from Okinawa, found their way to Jisan-dong, Goryeong, in the region of Dae Gaya.

In Japan, artifacts from Gaya, such as pottery and iron ingots, have been found. In addition, sueki ware, which came to be produced as a result of Gaya influence, became popularly used, alongside a wide range of iron objects that had previously been unseen. Dae Gaya style gilt-bronze crowns, gold earrings, and matching gold and silver horses gear have been found at sites in Kyushu and the Kinki region (in Japan) dating from the 5th century. This shows that the different polities of Gaya independently established diplomatic relations with their neighboring countries according to their own needs.

The remains of a wooden ship and oar were recovered from the site of Bonghwang-dong 119-9 beonji, in Gimhae. This is the first actual confirmation of a Gaya ship, which was the key means of transportation that facilitated Geumgwan Gaya’s active maritime exchange relations. The wooden remains, along with Gaya’s ship-shaped ceramic figures, provide important information for reconstructing and the structure and construction technology of Gaya ships. The length of the ship fragment is about 390 cm, and it is thought to have come from the upper part of the bow’s side section or the tip of the ship, judging from the nature of the curves, straight patterns, and wedges, etc. The overall length of the ship is estimated to have been at least 8-15 m. Following around 18 months of conservation, it was revealed that the boat had been made of camphor wood, the wedges of cedar, and the oar of oak.