In ancient Korea, gold crowns were often used to symbolize the power and authority of royalty. This gold crown and gold belt were excavated from the North Mound of Hwangnamdaechong Tomb in Gyeongju. The gold crown has a central branch-shaped upright with three tiers, flanked by two antler-shaped uprights; all three uprights were fastened to the inside of the crown’s headband with gold rivets. Both the upper and lower edges of the headband are inscribed with two lines of dots and one line of waves. For further adornment, numerous dangling jade pieces were attached to the headband and uprights. Excavations at the site also uncovered six gold earrings with thick hollow rings, which had been placed atop the front side of the crown.
The gold belt is adorned with numerous dangling pendants shaped like various objects with symbolic significance. The objects include a medicinal pouch, representing the treatment of disease; a fish, representing food; a hand knife, a common everyday item; and a whetstone and pincers, which were used to make iron products. The pendants also include a curved jade, symbolizing life.