A Study on the Development Process of Baekje Concave Roof-end Tiles

This study examines the emergence and development process of the ancient concave roof-end tiles of the Korean Peninsula. It focuses on the roof-end tiles of Baekje, which are the most diverse and numerous among the roof-end tiles of the Three Kingdoms. Attempts were made to present a chronological overview of Baekje concave roof-end tiles and identify aspects of change in the forms of the roof-end tiles. Based on the results of the study, the development of Baekje concave roof-end tiles can be outlined as follows. Firstly, Type I appeared around the 5th century and continued to be steadily used until the Sabi period, with changes observed in terms of treatment details. Type II is only observed in the Gongju region from the mid-6th century to the early 7th century. It is possible that Type II may be dated slightly earlier, to the early 6th century. Type III is estimated to have been used from the early 6th century to the end of the Sabi period. Type IV appears to have been continuously used from the early Sabi period to its end. Uncertainty surrounds Type V in terms of its production and utilization in Baekje due to its form, context of discovery at excavated sites, and contemporaneous trends observed in East Asia. Roof-end tiles of this type were discovered at Jeoseoksa Temple site, and it has been speculated that they were manufactured and used after unification by Silla. Despite this, if Type V concave roof-end tiles represent a novel form and manufacturing method associated with extensive construction efforts that took place at Iksan in Baekje, then it can be deemed a pioneering case in East Asia. Therefore, further scientific research on this type is needed.