The type and distribution of polished stone swords found in Korea

Abstract

The polished stone swords found in the Korean peninsula may be classi fied into four distinct types, i.e. types A, B, C and D (fig.1). As shown on the accompanying map, type A is to be found only in the northwestern part of the, peninsula (Heiannando and Kokaido provinces), while type B is rather plentifully distributed in the central provinces; type C is also to be found in this region, while type D is very sparsely distributed only in the drainage basin of the Tomanko River.
Of these four types, the most representative of the stone swords found in Korea in point of number discovered and area of distribution are types A and B. Type B is a later development of type A but according to the theory of distribution the change in shape from type A to type B must have taken place entirely in Korea. It is also a general belief that the shapes of these swords were imitated after that of the bronze swords of the period and this theory is amply justified by the status of distribution. However, in one group of dolmens in the Zenranando province, (fig. 2, 24) stone swords of type B were found under one of them while bronze swords were discovered under another. In other words, the period of the stone swords may be thought of as having been contemporary with that of the usage of metal tools.
In proportion as the provinces lie further and further away from the regions adjoining the continent, the swords become gradually less and less practical but this change in shape (fig. 3) is accompanied with a definite trend that shows rather clearly that they were used for purposes other than tools. This is a phenomenon peculiarly characteristic of Korea which was born of the inflow of the metal civilization from the continent and is particularly noticeable in the implements discovered along the southern shores and the upper reaches of the rivers of the peninsula.