A Study on the Transition and Meaning of Iron Spearheads in the Mahan-Baekje Region

The purpose of this study was to classify the types of iron spearhead excavated from the Mahan and Baekje regions, and to examine the process of change and distribution patterns. The morphology of the iron spearhead is determined by the shape of the blade and the degree of protrusion. Classification is conducted primarily based on the shape and width of the blade as well as the overall size of the spearhead. Based on these criteria, iron spearheads are classified into 13 types. It seems that the change of iron spearheads in the Mahan and Baekje regions goes through a four-step process of change based on the results of formal classification. Representative characteristics of each stage are as follows. Phase I witnessed the first appearance of iron spearheads in the Korean Peninsula, dated to the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. An early form of abbreviated iron spearheads appears. Phase II-1 is dated to 2nd and 3rd century AD. In this phase, iron spearheads were prevalent around the lower Han River basin and Asan Bay basin. Phase II-2 is dated to the second half of the 3rd century AD. During this phase the number of iron spearheads discovered in the lower Han River basin and Asan Bay basin drastically decreased. Phase III-1 is dated to between the early 4th century and mid 5th century AD, during which the capital of Baekje was in Hanseong. Various iron spearheads are identified, and iron spearheads are the most frequently identified during the entire period. Phase III-2 is dated to the latter part of the 5th century and early 6th century. In this phase, iron spearheads were found around the Gongju area. Phase IV is dated to after mid 6th century AD and corresponds to the Sabi period. In this phase, iron spearheads are not found in burial sites, but intermittently so in fortresses. It is judged that these changes and distribution patterns of iron spearheads show one aspect of the interaction between Mahan and Baekje at the same time as the development of the weapon's function.