• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.37
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• pp.37-63
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• 2004

Large Jar had been manufactured and used broadly in Mahan area from late second century. At first, it was used for various purposes, for example storing utensils at household and religious service at tombs. But it's usage was shifted with the political expansion of Baekje. In late third century, large jar coffin appeared in tombs as an important burial unit at Yeongsangang river valley. It has specific traits such as saw blade-shaped design etc. That style is distinguished from Baekje's. Unification of form and style of large jar coffin signify the socio-political distinction between Yeongsangang river valley and Baekje. Large jar coffin was used emblemic style for this purposes by the political elites of the Yeongsangang river valley. This process was caused by political reason, that is, need for integration of the Yeongsangang river valley communities against the territorial expansion of Baekje state.