The Chinese Terra Cotta Soldiers are a collection of life-size terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BCE). The figures, dating from 210–209 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.
Background
The terra cotta army was created to accompany the emperor in his afterlife and to protect him. It was buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE and was not discovered until 1974, when local farmers uncovered some of the figures while digging a well. 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.
Features
The figures are life-sized and vary in height, with the tallest being the generals. They are all sculptures of warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. They are hollow, with several pieces being put together. The figures were originally painted with bright colors, but the paint has since faded away. The heads, arms, legs, and torsos were created separately and then assembled. The figures are made of fired clay, which is a type of terracotta.
Discoveries
The terra cotta army was discovered in 1974 by local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. The farmers were digging a well when they stumbled upon some of the figures. After the initial discovery, archaeologists excavated the area and uncovered over 8,000 life-sized figures, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. They also found weapons such as swords, spears, lances, and crossbows.
Significance
The terra cotta army is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It is a reminder of the incredible craftsmanship of the Chinese people and a testament to the power of the first emperor of China. The figures have been on display in various museums around the world, including the British Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Palace Museum in Beijing. The discovery of the terra cotta army has also shed light on the military organization of the Qin dynasty.
Restoration
Restoration of the figures is a slow and delicate process. In some cases, the figures have to be reassembled from many pieces. The heads, arms, legs, and torsos were created separately and then assembled. The figures are hollow and were originally painted with bright colors, but the paint has since faded away. Archaeologists have to use special techniques to restore the figures to their original condition.
Conclusion
The Chinese Terra Cotta Soldiers are an incredible archaeological discovery and a testament to the craftsmanship of the Chinese people. The figures were created to accompany the first emperor of China in his afterlife and to protect him. The figures have been on display in various museums around the world and have shed light on the military organization of the Qin dynasty. The restoration of the figures is a slow and delicate process, but it is necessary to preserve these remarkable artifacts.