Toe Deformity of a Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva Statue

초록

Purpose: Pensive Bodhisattva (National Treasure #83, Fig 1) has hyperextended first metatarsophalangeal joint and flexed interphalangeal joint. In Korea, the pensive Bodhisattva is generally considered to depict the Maitreya Bodhisattva (future Buddha). Normally, it is impossible to hyperextend the first metatarsophalangeal joint and flex the first interphalangeal joint with the remaining toes neutral. The statue has hallux hammertoe (hallux malleus) or claw toe. Methods: Why the artist who made this statue (600-650 AD) made a ‘deformed’ toe in a sacred statue of the future Buddha. A likely interpretation is that the model, who was believed to be Buddhist nun or monk, had that deformity. Then, why did that Buddhist nun or monk have a toe deformity? Results: Recently, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with foot and ankle examinations of monks in Thailand. In 208 monks, common foot and ankle problems were callosity (70.8%), toe deformities (18.2%), plantar fasciitis (13.4%), metatarsalgia (3.8%), and numbness (2.9%). Hallux valgus was found in 14.4% and claw toe in 4.3%. The reasons for monks’ foot deformities are: 1) Thai monks usually walk without wearing shoes for long periods each day, causing increased pressure on the plantar surface; 2) Monks walk in rural areas that do not have smooth surfaces or on concrete or dirt roads; 3) Monks cease wearing shoes when they are ordained. Prior to that, their feet usually have not been accustomed to barefoot walking. Conclusion: It is thought think that early 7th-century Buddhist monks, who practiced strict asceticism, walked barefoot or wooden shoes without cushion