Newest terracotta soldiers hold colors
By Li Xinran |
May 12, 2010, Wednesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
AMONG the 114 newly discovered terracotta warriors, part of the famous Terracotta Army, many were with their original colors, which were differentiated from one another.
Chinese archaeologists restarted excavation work last June thanks to technological advances that ensure the still-buried warriors keep their paints once they are exposed to the air.
The new finds after two decades were mainly of painted warriors, including armored infantry and chariot officers.
They have black or dark brown hair and white or even pink faces.
High ranking officers wore colorful armored. Even the nails on the armor were in various colors, including sky blue, cardinal and purple.
The excavation was the third attempt to explore in Pit 1, the largest pit on the burial site of the underground legion near Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province.
Experts have confirmed that some of the figures had been deliberately burned but they have no idea who set the fire or when it occurred.
The newly discovered remains include buildings, weapons, carriages and accessories.
The remains of a trunk-like item made of leather and wood are part of a decayed carriage that had been previously undiscovered.
Experts thought it might be cushion or a case installed on the carriage.
Dating from around 210 BC, the Terracotta Army was crafted during the reign of the Emperor Qin, who ordered the life-size figures buried in tombs around his own.
The army was created to help the emperor rule in the afterlife.
Chinese records state that the site was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well.
Chinese archaeologists restarted excavation work last June thanks to technological advances that ensure the still-buried warriors keep their paints once they are exposed to the air.
The new finds after two decades were mainly of painted warriors, including armored infantry and chariot officers.
They have black or dark brown hair and white or even pink faces.
High ranking officers wore colorful armored. Even the nails on the armor were in various colors, including sky blue, cardinal and purple.
The excavation was the third attempt to explore in Pit 1, the largest pit on the burial site of the underground legion near Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi Province.
Experts have confirmed that some of the figures had been deliberately burned but they have no idea who set the fire or when it occurred.
The newly discovered remains include buildings, weapons, carriages and accessories.
The remains of a trunk-like item made of leather and wood are part of a decayed carriage that had been previously undiscovered.
Experts thought it might be cushion or a case installed on the carriage.
Dating from around 210 BC, the Terracotta Army was crafted during the reign of the Emperor Qin, who ordered the life-size figures buried in tombs around his own.
The army was created to help the emperor rule in the afterlife.
Chinese records state that the site was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well.
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