한양도성 및 성저십리 발굴유적 동물뼈 출토 유구의 양상과 의미

Abstract

There are currently nine reported sites where animal bones have been excavated in the vicinity of the Hanyangdoseong and the Seongjeosimli area. Eight of these sites are within the city wall, while one is located in Mapo, part of the Seongjeosimli area. This study aims to examine these nine excavation sites of animal bones to determine their characteristics and significance. The research methodology focused on analyzing excavation features with animal bones, their chronological relationships, stratigraphy, associated artifacts, and evidence of modification marks on the bones. As a result, the excavation features containing animal bones were categorized into five types: 1. Pit structure, 2. Hearths, 3. Wells, 4. Toilets, 5. Depositional layers (including road surfaces, foundational layers, and sedimentary layers). First, the animal bones excavated from pit structures are presumed to have been ritually buried. Second, the animal bones found in hearths appear to have been naturally mixed in during the process of cooking when the hearths were in use, followed by their disposal during the abandonment phase. Third, animal bones excavated from wells are presumed to have been part of a ritual practice, as they appear to have been deposited at the time the wells were abandoned. Fourth, there are cases where animal bones were found in toilets. In seasonal customs, it is known that hanging castor aralia wood along with cattle bones carries the meaning of warding off evil spirits. The wood analysis results provided supporting evidence for this tradition, which is noteworthy. Lastly, there are cases where a large quantity of animal bones was excavated from depositional layers. When constructing road surfaces and designated layers, animal bones may have been included as offerings. Additionally, the prolonged disposal of large quantities of cattle bones in vacant areas within villages raises the possibility that these sites were either locations for cattle slaughter or remnants of community ritual practices. These animal bones necessitate an understanding of the historical context, including where slaughter and sales took place and the process through which they were consumed and discarded at the site. During the early Joseon period within the Hanyangdoseong, Sungkyunkwan Butchers primarily carried out cattle slaughter and conducted sales. By the late Joseon period, cattle slaughter became institutionalized with the establishment of Hyunbang, permanent slaughterhouses. By the 18th to 19th centuries, 23 such Hyunbang locations have been identified, although there were instances of their opening and closing during the intervening period. Against this historical backdrop, the discovery of animal bones at archaeological sites within the Hanyangdoseong and Seongjeosimni area appears natural and contextually fitting. In this way, the study reviewed the archaeological sites where animal bones were excavated and inferred their characteristics and significance by type. Through this research, achieving the primary goal of identifying the status and nature of animal bones unearthed in the Hanyangdoseong and Seongjeosimni areas was deemed accomplished. However, the actual remains of Seonggyungwan’s butcher and Hyunbang, which mark the origin of the animal bones, have yet to be uncovered. To date, there are no archaeological sites where Seonggyungwan’s butcher or Hyunbang have been revealed as tangible evidence. Future excavation investigations are expected to uncover related sites, which could lead to further advancements. For now, it is hoped that this study serves as a preliminary foundation.