The Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is a form of funerary art buried with the emperor in 210–209 BCE with the purpose of protecting the emperor in his afterlife. The figures, dating from approximately the late third century BCE, were discovered in 1974 by some 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 of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army was constructed to accompany the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. The tomb was built in the late 3rd century BCE. The terracotta army was discovered in 1974 by some local farmers in Lintong District, Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Since then, archaeologists have uncovered thousands of terracotta figures, which are thought to represent the army of Qin Shi Huang.
The Figures
The terracotta 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. They are all life-sized and are believed to be made of clay with added color and gilding. They are arranged in battle formations, suggesting that they were meant to protect the emperor in his afterlife.
Preservation of the Terracotta Army
Since its discovery, the terracotta army has been the subject of numerous conservation efforts. In 1979, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the figures have been housed in a specially built museum. The museum has been expanded several times to accommodate the large number of figures that have been discovered. In addition, the figures have been preserved through a variety of techniques, such as air-drying, baking, and coating with a protective layer.
Significance of the Terracotta Army
The terracotta army is considered one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The figures are not only a testament to the power and wealth of the Qin Dynasty, but also provide insight into the craftsmanship and artistry of the period. The terracotta army has become a symbol of China’s ancient past and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and books.
Conclusion
The terracotta army is a remarkable archaeological discovery that provides insight into the artistry and craftsmanship of the Qin Dynasty. It is a symbol of China’s ancient past and has been the subject of numerous conservation efforts. The figures provide a glimpse into the life of the emperor and his court and are a testament to the power and wealth of the Qin Dynasty.
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