The variety of their symbolic meaning is formed from their
ecological features, added with society’s history, culture, and environmental
factors. The symbolic meaning of animal patterns in cultural heritage often
takes place at a specific object or its authority. These tend to be employed
for the purpose of praying for good fortune. They were perceived as shamanistic
objects for attaining wishes transmitting the divine, miraculous power of
animals. Animal symbols often appear not only in artifacts, but in
stories like folk tales and myths. Numinous animals in tales on the birth of
progenitor gods and heroes are means to underline authority and divinity. They
also appear as deified beings that judge humans. These animal images convey
didactic standards for righteous humans.
Animals Entering Human Life - Animal Symbols
Discovered in Artifacts is the ninth thematic exhibition to display the collection
of Coreana Cosmetics Museum. The museum regards this exhibition as meaningful
as a review of the social background and meaning of Korea’s traditional
animal patterns, grasping our ancestors’ history. It is
hoped through this show our concern with and interest in traditional Korean
designs is triggered, and may be helpful for understanding ancient life and
culture. Supported by Coreana Cosmetics, Co., Ltd.