Terracotta Army

Definition

The Terracotta Army is a vast collection of life-sized clay sculptures that were created to accompany the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, into the afterlife. Discovered in 1974 near Xi'an, these statues represent an army intended to protect the emperor in his eternal rest and showcase the military power and artistic achievement of the Qin dynasty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Terracotta Army consists of over 8,000 soldiers, 670 horses, and numerous chariots, all meticulously crafted with distinct facial features and expressions.
2. Each figure in the Terracotta Army is unique, with variations in hairstyles, clothing, and weapons, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
3. The site where the Terracotta Army was found is part of a larger complex that includes Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum, which remains largely unexcavated due to concerns about preservation.
4. The creation of the Terracotta Army is believed to have taken approximately 38 years and involved thousands of workers, illustrating the scale of resources dedicated to imperial funerary practices.
5. In addition to military figures, there are also non-military figures found within the site, such as acrobats, musicians, and officials, showcasing a broader representation of Qin society.

Review Questions

• How does the construction of the Terracotta Army reflect the values and beliefs of the Qin dynasty?
  • The construction of the Terracotta Army reflects the Qin dynasty's emphasis on authority and the afterlife. By creating a vast army to accompany Emperor Qin Shi Huang into his tomb, it illustrates their belief in the need for protection in death as well as their focus on military might as a symbol of power. The sheer scale and artistry also demonstrate the state's organizational capabilities and commitment to reinforcing the emperor's status even in death.
• Discuss the significance of individual craftsmanship seen in the Terracotta Army and what it reveals about ancient Chinese society during the Qin dynasty.
  • The individual craftsmanship evident in each figure of the Terracotta Army showcases not only advanced artistic techniques but also reflects social structures within ancient Chinese society. The diversity in expressions, clothing styles, and ranks among the soldiers indicates a sophisticated understanding of identity and hierarchy. This attention to detail emphasizes how artisans were valued for their skills while simultaneously revealing insights into military organization and class distinctions during the Qin dynasty.
• Evaluate how the discovery and study of the Terracotta Army have influenced our understanding of Chinese imperial art and funerary practices.
  • The discovery and study of the Terracotta Army have significantly enhanced our understanding of Chinese imperial art by illustrating the complexity and ambition behind funerary practices during the Qin dynasty. It has highlighted how art was used as a means to convey power and ensure continuity beyond death. Furthermore, examining these artifacts has led to new insights into ancient Chinese beliefs about life after death, social stratification, and technological advancements in ceramics. This body of work stands as a testament to how art serves not just aesthetic purposes but also functions deeply within cultural contexts.

Related terms

Qin Shi Huang:

The first emperor of a unified China who ruled from 221 to 210 BCE, known for centralizing the state and standardizing measurements and currency.

Tomb of Qin Shi Huang: The burial site of the first emperor of China, which includes the Terracotta Army and is part of a larger necropolis that reflects the grandeur of his reign.

Chinese Imperial Art: A category of art that encompasses various forms and styles developed during different dynasties in China, characterized by themes of power, spirituality, and aesthetics.