[Editor’s Note: First entitled, Dokkaebi, this banner’s title is changed to “Chiu,” the 14th ruler of Danguk (3898 BCE-2333 BCE), who is introduced as “the God of War” in East Asia.]
Chiu is a fierce guardian of sacred space who can create mischief or protect people from evil spirits. Standing on a lotus flower, her fanged mouth, hanging breasts, and ritual belt identify her as a crone. Her dragon face is associated with water to protect a wooden building from fire. Her presence is placed on clay roof tiles to ward off a “teeming invisible army of hostile spirits and ghosts.”
Source: Baekje Roof Tile. 18 BCE-660 CE. National Buyeo Museum. Buyeo. Korea
(Meet Mago Contributor) Lydia Ruyle.
