Posted on 11/18/2009 2:33:08 PM PST by JoeProBono
A terra cotta warrior and horse is seen during a media preview for the exhibit "Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China's First Emperor" at the National Geographic in Washington on November 17, 2009. The exhibit, which opens November 19, features 15 terra cotta figures. UPI/Kevin Dietsch
I was fortunate to visit the exhibit in China. A remarkable display. Even one of the farmers who discovered the Terra Cotta Warriors was there that day. He was signing books and hopefully making some good pay. Xian is not easy to get to, and these artifacts have really put that small city on the map.
I visited the exhibit and was a docent for The Imperial Tombs of China, it was an awesome experience.
There once was a time when the Chinese made stuff that was meant to last.
I want to see The tomb of Emperor Qin.
It is truly amazing how they did this, wondering how long it took.
Were they cast in molds? I assume only so many types/characters were made and then hundreds made like each. Or?
Nice! (lucky you!!)
The terracotta figures were manufactured both in workshops by government laborers and also by local craftsmen. The head, arms, legs and torsos were created separately and then assembled. Studies show that eight face moulds were most likely used, and then clay was added to provide individual facial features.[5] Once assembled, intricate features such as facial expressions were added. It is believed that their legs were made in much the same way that terracotta drainage pipes were manufactured at the time. This would make it an assembly line production, with specific parts manufactured and assembled after being fired, as opposed to crafting one solid piece of terracotta and subsequently firing it. In those days, each workshop was required to inscribe its name on items produced to ensure quality control. This has aided modern historians in verifying that workshops that once made tiles and other mundane items were commandeered to work on the terracotta army. Upon completion, the terracotta figures were placed in the pits in precise military formation according to rank and duty.
The terracotta figures are life-like and life-sized. They vary in height, uniform and hairstyle in accordance with rank. The colored lacquer finish, individual facial features, and actual weapons and armor from battle used in manufacturing these figures created a realistic appearance. The original weapons were stolen by robbers shortly after the creation of the army and the coloring has faded greatly. However, their existence serves as a testament to the amount of labor and skill involved in their construction. It also reveals the power the First Emperor possessed, enabling him to command such a monumental undertaking as this.
The figures vary in height (183–195 cm - 6ft–6ft 5in), according to their role, the tallest being the generals. The figures include strong warriors, chariots, horses, officials, acrobats, strongmen, and musicians. Current estimates are that in the three pits containing the Terracotta Army there were over 8,000 soldiers, 100 chariots with 400 horses and 300 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried in the pits.
More humane than burying actual slaves alive, like the Egyptians did.
Thanks for such a detailed explanation of the figures. So very impressive. Do you suppose the manufacturers were paid or was it a case of unfunded mandate?
Also the height seems tall given modern average heights of Chinese. Probably done to impress?
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