Chinese Clay Soldiers are a form of funerary art buried with the emperor of the first Qin dynasty of China, Qin Shi Huang, during his death in 210–209 BCE. The figures, dating from approximately the late Warring States period (475–221 BCE), were discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians.
History
The terracotta army was constructed to serve as an afterlife guard to the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who was buried in 210–209 BCE. The figures were manufactured in workshops by government laborers and were buried with the emperor in order to protect him in his afterlife. It is believed that the figures were manufactured in sections and then assembled. Some theories suggest that their limbs were made separately and then assembled. The terracotta figures were originally painted with bright pigments, variously colored in pink, red, green, blue, black, brown, white, and lilac. The original colors can still be seen in some surviving figures.
The Site
The site where the terracotta army was found is located near the city of Xi’an, Shaanxi province, China. The site covers an area of approximately 22,780 square meters and is divided into three pits. Pit 1 is the largest and contains the main army, while Pit 2 contains cavalry and chariots. Pit 3 is the command post, with high ranking officers and a war chariot. The three pits are located approximately 1.5 kilometers east of the burial mound of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang.
The Figures
The terracotta figures are life-sized and vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. The figures include warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. They are hollow, with the hollows being used to place weapons, chariots, and horses inside. The figures are mostly unarmed, but some have weapons such as swords, spears, and crossbows. The figures are highly detailed and life-like, with different facial expressions and hairstyles.
Construction
The figures were constructed using a technique known as “coil and sculpt”. This technique involved the use of a clay coil, which was coiled around a core of mud or clay. The coil was then sculpted into the desired shape. The figures were then fired in a kiln at a temperature of approximately 800°C. After firing, the figures were painted with bright pigments.
Legacy
The terracotta army is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and artistry. It is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Chinese people of the Qin dynasty. The figures are a reminder of the power and grandeur of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, and a reminder of the importance of funerary art in ancient China. The terracotta army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become one of China’s most famous tourist attractions.
Conclusion
The terracotta army is a remarkable example of ancient engineering and artistry. It is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the Chinese people of the Qin dynasty. The figures are a reminder of the power and grandeur of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, and a reminder of the importance of funerary art in ancient China. The terracotta army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has become one of China’s most famous tourist attractions.
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