II.

Prehistoric Period

The use of pottery was an important feature of the New Stone Age throughout East Asia, and this is reflected in the earliest known Korean artifacts. Coarse-bodied earthenware has been recovered from the late Neolithic period (about 3000 bc). Bronze metallurgy, transmitted from the Mongols about 1000 bc, was quickly mastered by Korean casters. Excavations have revealed bronze and iron objects, including an assortment of ritual bells, small weapons, and mirrors as well, all dating from the 1st millennium bc.