ABSTRACT
This chapter demonstrates that materiality and divinity are not separated in Jeju, Korea, by exploring the divine and material characteristics of mengdu, the main set of ritual instruments of simbang (Jeju shaman), to reconsider the existing explanation of the relationship between symbols and signified deities. Mengdu is a set of brass instruments and at the same time something else, as is the characteristic of symbols. Jeju people know that mengdu is a physical item and yet they also believe mengdu to be extraordinary, to hold the power of a deity. Mengdu represents the first tool used by the three brother gods Samsiwang, takes the place of Samsiwang of the other world, and makes them present in the ritual space. As the symbol of the first tool used by the three brother gods in the mythic time, mengdu is the symbol of the mythic gods. At the same time, it is also an independent deity who is enshrined at the simbang’s house and to whom offering is dedicated. As seen in the case of mengdu, materiality and divinity are often resolved in a material thing, which can be understood as a symbol and at once real presence itself.
