Have you ever heard of the Terracotta Army? It’s an incredible collection of over 8,000 life-sized clay statues that were made around 210 BCE during the Qin Dynasty in ancient China. These statues are not just any ordinary clay figures; they were created to protect the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife.
Each statue is unique, featuring different facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing styles. When artisans created them, they used a special technique in pottery to make the clay strong and durable. The soldiers are part of a large underground tomb, which was discovered in 1974.
Working with pottery can be exciting because you get to shape and mold the clay into whatever you imagine, similar to how these artisans crafted the Terracotta Army. Their work reflects a significant part of Chinese history and showcases the skill and dedication needed to create such an impressive army of statues, providing a glimpse into the past. So, the next time you play with clay, think about how it connects to something as grand as the Terracotta Army!
