Korean Shamanism
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Mugu - Implements used in korean shamanic Rituals

There are a number of typical accessories and ritual implements that are used by all mudang in their performances. Collectively, these ritual implements are called Mugu (무구). Some of the more common types are illustrated here. These include bells, knives, spirit swords, tridents, and large fans depicting selected deities. The mudang's costumes and characteristic headgear help her identify with each particular spirit that possesses her during a performance (and dramatically identify each deity for those individuals participating or observing), and are also essential accessories for every shaman.

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​Click on each image below to view full-size.
Shaman bells in a set of seven (칠성대신방울), for invoking Chilseong (Seven-Star Spirit)
무당 방울뭉치 sets of shaman bells
Mudang Bells 무령 巫鈴
Mudang Bells 무령 巫鈴
Mudang Bells 무령 巫鈴
Mudang Bells 무령 巫鈴
Spirit Knives 대신칼
Spirit Knives 대신칼
Spirit Knives 대신칼
Spirit Swords 월도 신장칼
Spirit Swords 신장칼
Spirit Swords 신장칼
Chilseong Sword and Myeongdu (Spirit Mirrors) 칠성검과 명두
본명두(요령)·신명두(신칼)·삼명두(산판)
Spirit Knife 대신칼
Myeongdu Spirit Mirrors 명두(明斗) to deflect harmful forces
Seven-Stars Myeongdu (칠성명두) Spirit Mirror to deflect harmful forces
MudangTridents 삼지창
Moon Sword (월도) and Trident (삼지창)
Mudang with Moon Sword (월도 신장칼) and Trident (삼지창)
Mudang Hat for invoking the Mountain Spirit Sanshin-Daegam산신대감모자
Mudang Hat for Officer Spirit 옥판2중갓
Mudang Hat for tutelary deity
Mudang Hat for invoking Janggun Martial Spirit 공단장군모자
Mudang Hat with peacock feathers
Mudang Fan (무당부채) with various deities
Mudang Fan (무당부채) with various deities
Mudang Fan (무당부채) with Sambul-Jeseok Deities (삼불제석)
Mudang Fan 만성수부채 with various deities
Mudang Fan with Sun and Moon (일월) and Female Chilseong (삼신 할머니 칠성신)
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