한국 호랑이 석상(石像) 현장 연구

Abstract

In Korean culture, tiger has been presented in various forms and symbols. Korean tiger statues have been widely distributed all over the country from ancient times to the present in the diverse forms such as a Pungsubibo(Feng shui(geomantic principles) hidden treasure) of royal tombs, villages, Buddhist temples, Myeongdang(propitious sites), as well as local symbols, university symbols, and so on. This paper determines name, location, quantity, formation, function and role, and production period by focusing on the seven field case studies related to tiger statues. The names of tiger statues are Hoseok, Beombawoo, Yonghoseok, Horang-yi choseok, Gaebawi, Kokkirisang, etc. As appears by these names, the majority tiger statues are made of stone. The tiger statue, located in the middle or at the entrance of the village, plays a role as a guardian god. Statues related to Feng shui theory have been used as a cultural device to control its energy as tiger’s energy is too strong, indicate Myeongdang(propitious sites), and raise good fortune of Myeongdang (propitious sites). Tiger statues are understood in various forms. They are the formative art expressing humor in Korean traditional pictures, faces of Jangseung, Korean traditional totem pole at the village entrance, and dignity of Maitreya. Diverse animal figures in folklore field, particularly animal statues, tend to survive for a long time. Although they are made in modern and contemporary times, it could raise confusion to scholars in future generations if modern scholars would not trace and organize the origin. In this regard, this paper, which researches and organizes historical materials in folklore field, captures significant meaning.