calendar>>February 23. 2011 Juch 100
One More Ancient Tomb with Murals Unearthed
Pyongyang, February 23 (KCNA) -- Archaeologists of the DPRK discovered a tomb with mural paintings dating back to the Koguryo dynasty in the area of Ryonggang of the country.

They are researchers of the Archaeology Institute of the Academy of Social Sciences.

The tomb was unearthed on a low hill in the seat of Okdo-ri, Ryonggang County, and confirmed to date back to the period from the late 4th century to the early 5th century.

This earth-covered stone tomb, placed in north-south direction, consists of a pathway leading to the main chamber, front chamber and alcove dented like closet on its right and left walls, a passage in between and the main chamber.

The main chamber at present is 2.85m long, 2.83m wide and 2.28m high. It looks like a ground structure as its every wall corner is decorated with pillar, head space and beams.

Especially conspicuous in it are murals diverse in theme and rich in content.

Depicted in the mural on the north wall are a couple and attendants in beautiful dress inside rectangular room with raised curtain. This shows indoor life of the master of the tomb.

On the east wall there are pictures of seven males and females, guessed to be singers, and nine dancers. This gracious mural painting well shows the features and level of the Koguryo singing and dancing arts.

Seen on the west mural are hunting people, and there are splendid patterns on the upper part of the walls.

These tomb mural paintings will be greatly helpful to the research into the Koguryo culture as they are precious relics showing the excellent architecture, pictorial art and custom at that time.

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