In 1974 farmers in the Shaanxi province of China made an astonishing discovery while digging for water. Buried beneath the surface, an entire legion of Terra Cotta soldiers, their horses, and chariots built to protect Emperor Qin, (the first emperor of China) for all eternity. Since that discovery, four pits have been excavated revealing over 1,000(!) soldiers, along with hundreds of horses and chariots.

Beginning Sunday, The Bowers Museum in Santa Ana proudly presents the biggest exhibit ever outside of China of these imperial figures. Often described as the eighth wonder of the world, the life sized figures are each unique, featuring individual features, hairstyles, weaponry, and rank.

Obsessed with death, Emperor Qin had thousands of workers begin construction on his mausoleum and army around 246 BC, which continued for about 38 years. The soldiers were made assembly line style by tile makers, than placed in military formation in the tomb complex, where they sat buried for two thousand years.

The museum galleries, which will be set up tomb-style, will display 14 of the life-like warriors, along with recently unearthed sculptures of bronze birds, acrobats, and court officials. Lectures discussing the making of the soldiers, and life during the emperor’s reign and its influence today are also planned.

Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of China’s First Emperor is a specially ticketed exhibit. Weekday ticket prices are $25 for adults, $19 for students/seniors, and weekend prices are $27 for adults, $21 for students/seniors, children under six are always free. PIMCO’s Free Friday Nights will offer free admission per hour between 4-7pm.

This rare show on view through October 12, before its journey to Houston’s Natural Science Museum, and the National Geographic Society Museum, is not one to miss!

Bowers Museum of Art
2002 N. Main Street
Santa Ana
www.bowers.org

photo by super.heavy via flickr