Mausoleum with Terracotta Warriors and Horses - Term Paper Example

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Introduction The Terracotta Warriors and Horses, or basically the Terracotta Army, is what is used to refer to a collection of sculptures that date back to the third century. It is believed that this assortment of sculptures represents what used to be Emperor’s Qin Shi Huang army. Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor of China, and his tomb was where the army was first found, back in 1974. The number of soldiers present in the mausoleum is estimated at 8,000, with over 100 chariots, and 500 horses. Culturally, the sculpting of these soldiers was seen as a way in which the emperor was protected and guarded in the afterlife. It is also meant as a means of preserving a culture that dates back thousands of years (Capek 79). There are different sizes (heights) for these sculptures, which get to show the position held during the individual’s life. This paper will examine the nature of the terracotta army, and how they help shape up Chinese culture. This type of art is identified as funerary art, and its existence clearly indicates the type of artistry that existed in ancient China. When archaeologists discovered the mausoleum with the sculptures inside, it became clear that this would be the biggest pottery sculpture collection ever found in the region, and most probably, the world. The most amazing thing about such a discovery is the manner in which the Chinese culture is represented. The respect that the emperor was accorded is seen in the works displayed at the mausoleum. It is estimated that over 700,000 workers came together to ensure the coming together of the figurines in honor of the first emperor, who ascended the throne at a particularly tender age (Capek 83). The Objects and their design The objects are symbolic to the life that an emperor lived during that period in ancient China. It was a position of complete opulence and prestige as he was looked upon to guide the people and ensure their safety and prosperity as well. The figurines are designed in such a way to distinguish between the roles each soldier or individual played in the emperor’s life. Proof of such roles in the emperor’s life came in the form of the hairstyle, uniform, and heights of the figurines as they were different among all ranks. For example; according to the sculptures, a general in the emperor’s army would be taller than the others (Capek 91). The weapons and instruments in their possession would also be testament to the positions they held, and their roles. This made it easier to identify the soldiers from the acrobats and even the musicians. From the time of excavation, the emperor’s necropolis could be seen. This is what describes the living quarters of the emperor, which consisted of offices, stalls, and even stables. It was meant to be a representation of the palace in which he resided when alive. It had roofing strips, bricks, and even large pieces of stonework that made sure of its strong foundation. It is the belief of countless individuals that the emperor chose the location of his burial due to the splendor the area/region had (Portal 211). It was believed that jade was present in the mountain where the emperor chose to be buried, and according to some ancient texts, the tomb was plundered by those who sought to contend for the throne. The manner in which these sculptures are molded is meant to be decorative and show signs of prosperity and wealth in China. The Creation of the Figurines Presently, the making of such figurines would be classified as a form of assembly line production. What this means is that; most of the parts used to make the clay statues were assembled in different government/empire commandeered workshops. The reason why this was done was to ensure the quality of the products created was not below standard, thus; ensuring every laborer and craftsman’s work was perfect. At the end of the production exercise, they would all inscribe or place the names of their workshops on the items they have produced. In the end, this would guarantee quality control, given that it was a time of strict imperial control (Portal 217). Local materials were used in the making of the army, where the legs, arms, face, and torso were assembled differently. The pieces were assembled then fired, and only the faces required molding afterwards so as to give the soldiers different facial appearances. The manner in which the drainage pipes were assembled at the time describes the manner in which the legs of the figurines were assembled. They were fired before being assembled, as opposed to assembling then firing after the whole process is complete. The weapons that most of them held were original to begin with and these included; the spears, crossbows, and swords. Bright coloring, for example; blue, green, red, and even pink, was used on the statues. However, with time, the color flaked off and some of the weapons held were stolen immediately after the figures were assembled. The coloring, the real weaponry, and even the facial features the soldiers were given was to give the army that real-life feel (Portal 221). That is what went into the making of the terracotta figurines. History of the Objects Work, both on and in the mausoleum, is recorded as most likely commencing in 246 BCE. This is when the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, was just 13 years old. The location of his burial was selected due to the propitious geology it possessed. Mount Li, as it was referred to, had a reputation for housing some highly coveted treasures, for example; jade and gold. The northern side of the mountain was believed to have gold, while the south side of the mountain housed beautiful jade minerals. It was his wish to be buried with such wonderful objects, surrounded by his most trusted aides, and this meant his army. So it was vital to have such statues made in his honor, and in an exact replica of his palace, Qin necropolis was constructed in one of the pits (Man 86). Different historical texts claim that during a tug of war for the throne after the first emperor’s death, other contenders tried to loot or plunder the tomb. However, there is no evidence to suggest that the people involved ever made it to taking what the emperor was buried with. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, there is evidence to suggest that diggers did come upon some terracotta fragments. It is believed that these fragments were thrown away as they were considered worthless (Man 89). In my opinion, the diggers in that period were only looking for gold or jade in the famous Mount Li (Lishan Mountain), where the emperor was buried. The tomb of the emperor remains unopened, because nobody knows if the artifacts inside will be preserved or remain the same once exposed to the dry air. Culture that built the Terracotta Army Culturally, the first emperor was respected as he was the one that united China. Through the artistic and technical qualities that the terracotta army represents, it is clear that the workmen and laborers in China were particularly inventive. The different texts present indicate that it took more than 700,000 laborers to make the three pits that house the Qin legacy. Xi’an is believed to be the region where most of China’s dynasties emanate from, and this has made it become a historical region (Man 91). It is believed that when the terracotta material was being made, alchemists from the region were trying to find ways to synthesize and purify the jade that was present in the land. The dynasties that existed at the time had an impact on the etiquette and mannerisms of the people. This means that the celebrations, funerals, weddings, and all social behavior were influenced by the dynasty that was there at the time of the creation and making of the terracotta army. The stone structures that the Qin dynasty left behind is testament of the fact that the people were more of masons, and were skilled in the art of building. To this day, Xi’an is considered a historic place, and its strategic location allows the people to preserve some of the art and sculptures that exist (Man 92). Summary The terracotta army may be one of the most prolific pieces of history that the people in China have. They value it and they even listed the mausoleum as a state protected site. A conservation plan was even approved in 2010 to clarify the borders of the protected area, which means that nobody can infringe on the area allocated to the museum. It is clear that the provincial government has gone to great lengths to protect the integrity and authenticity, which means that the sites that contain these warriors are extremely important to the people and the legacy left behind by Qin Shi Huang. The army is also a way for China to show their military organization during a time when there was a lot of war between different factions in China. By reading and researching on the terracotta army, it is possible to understand why the Chinese value their culture and history, and why other regions should emulate such accomplishments. Works Cited Capek, Michael. Emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army. New York: Macmillan Publishers, 2008. Print. Man, John. The Terracotta Army. New York: Hart Publishing, 2010. Print. Portal, Jane. The First Emperor: China’s Terracotta Army. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. Print. Read More