Kkoktu - small wooden funerary figurines that are sent in procession to the afterlife, accompanying the spirit of a deceased person. The Guardian leads the way, followed by the Healer and the Artist. In addition to human figurines, miniature dragons and phoenixes were popular, symbolizing freedom and rebirth.
According to the beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of Korea, the human spirit, once in the next world, is in great confusion. Travelers are sent to help him, who protect, care for and entertain the deceased. The tradition was widespread during the era of the Joseon state (1392–1897): figurines are found both in the burial places of the rich and in the graves of commoners.
The guard is armed with swords or other weapons, later figurines depict an officer in military uniform. He directs the procession and drives away evil spirits. The healer heals the traveler, often represented as a woman. The artist entertains the spirit of the deceased, and is also intended for the living, whom he consoles, influencing from the other world. A figurine in the form of a musician or an acrobat is made. Phoenixes and dragons were lined up along the body so that they protected all participants in the journey.
A large collection of figurines, numbering 20 thousand copies, was collected by Dr. Okrang Kim. She donated them to the Korean Society for international exhibitions. Noteworthy is her essay entitled "How Kkoktu Changed My Life".
