The Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It is a collection of terracotta sculptures that depict the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The army was created to protect the emperor in the afterlife and was buried with him in 210-209 BCE. The Terracotta Army is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts millions of visitors every year.
History of the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near the city of Xi’an in Shaanxi province, China. Archaeologists soon realized that they had uncovered one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. The terracotta sculptures were buried with the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, who ruled from 221-210 BCE. The army consists of more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses. The excavation of the Terracotta Army is ongoing, and it is estimated that less than a third of the site has been excavated so far.
Materials Used in the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was created using a variety of materials, including terracotta clay, bronze, wood, and pigments. The terracotta clay was the primary material used to create the warriors, while bronze was used for the weapons, and wood was used for the chariots and other structures. Pigments were used to decorate the warriors and bring them to life.
Terra Cotta Clay: The Main Material
The main material used to create the Terracotta Army was terracotta clay. The clay was sourced from local quarries and was carefully prepared by the craftsmen who created the warriors. The clay was shaped into the desired form, fired in kilns, and then painted and decorated. The terracotta clay was chosen for its durability and its ability to be easily molded and shaped.
Additives in the Terra Cotta Clay
To enhance the properties of the terra cotta clay, additives were added during the preparation process. These included crushed pottery, sand, and straw. The crushed pottery and sand were added to the clay to improve its strength and reduce the shrinkage during firing, while the straw was added to reduce the warping of the clay during drying.
Pigments Used in the Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army was painted with a range of pigments to create a lifelike appearance. These included black, white, red, purple, green, and blue. The pigments were made from natural materials such as minerals and plants and were mixed with water to create a paint. The pigments were applied to the warriors using brushes made from animal hair.
The Bronze Weapons of the Terracotta Army
The weapons of the Terracotta Army were made from bronze. Bronze was chosen for its durability and the ease with which it could be cast into intricate shapes. The weapons were made using a lost-wax casting technique, which involved creating a wax model of the weapon and then encasing it in clay. The clay mold was then heated, and the wax melted away, leaving a cavity into which the bronze was poured.
The Wooden Structures of the Terracotta Army
The wooden structures of the Terracotta Army, such as the chariots and other vehicles, were made using a range of woods. These included elm, mulberry, and willow. The wood was chosen for its strength and durability and was carefully crafted by the craftsmen who created the warriors.
The Armor of the Terracotta Army
The warriors of the Terracotta Army were also fitted with armor. The armor was made from a range of materials, including leather, bronze, and iron. The armor was designed to protect the warriors from enemy weapons and was carefully crafted to fit the individual warrior.
The Horses of the Terracotta Army
The horses of the Terracotta Army were also made from terracotta clay. The horses were created in a similar way to the warriors and were painted with a range of pigments to create a lifelike appearance. The horses were also fitted with bronze armor and other decorations.
The Chariots of the Terracotta Army
The chariots of the Terracotta Army were made from wood and were fitted with bronze decorations and other fittings. The chariots were designed to be pulled by the horses and were crafted with great skill and attention to detail.
Conclusion: The Materials of the Terracotta Army
The materials used in the production of the Terracotta Army were carefully chosen for their durability, strength, and aesthetic qualities. The craftsmen who created the warriors were highly skilled and used a range of techniques to bring their creations to life. The Terracotta Army is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Chinese people and is a wonder of the world that continues to fascinate and inspire people from all over the world.
