Archaeologists working in the Gimhae region of South Korea have unearthed a set of ritual masks featuring interwoven copper threads and organic silk fibers. Found within a royal tomb of the Gaya Confederacy, these masks are stylistically distinct from later Silla or Baekje designs. They are thought to have been used during the "Grand Invocation of the Forge," a festival held to bless the state’s iron production.
The presence of copper-threading in a ritual context demonstrates the high status of smithing in Gaya society. These ceremonial objects offer a new perspective on how ancient iron-working cultures integrated industrial success with religious festivals, ensuring that the "spirit of the fire" remained favorable for the kingdom's prosperity.