This article provides details about the Terracotta Warriors exhibition that took place at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California.
What to do if you don’t have the time and money to drop by Xian, China to take a look at the famous terracotta warriors? Well, in that case, there is no other option than to get a glimpse of the mythical soldiers in a museum exhibition relatively close to your house (assuming the stars line up in your favor and some random curator decides to bring such an exhibition close to where you live).
The other day I had the opportunity to visit the “Warriors, Tombs and Temples: China’s Enduring Legacy” exhibition in the Bowers Museum located in Santa Ana, California. They have brought similar exhibitions before. This time everything was a little bit different because they were allowing something essential: photography (completely banned in previous exhibitions). And that fact made me really, really happy.
Terracotta Warriors in the Bowers Museum
True, nothing beats seeing ancient treasures in its natural surroundings. However, I found this exhibition very compelling because of the level of detail, the included audio tour, and the minimal amount of space between the public and the actual artifacts (i.e. warriors and other objects).
One of the standing warriors
I have never been to Xian so I don’t know how close you can get to the Terracotta Warriors there. In this exhibition, I was able to get really close to the subjects which resulted in pretty detailed photos. It is amazing how much detail you can see in these pieces of hardened mud. You can admire their clothes, shoes, and hairstyles (braids on mud, that is crazy!). Some of them are in their corresponding fighting positions. I wouldn’t mind wearing such cool clothing to battle!
Detail of warrior armor
Back of a warrior’s head, notice the braided hair
As you may or may not know, the Terracotta Warriors were found in the mausoleum complex of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuangdi (of the Qin dynasty). They were supposed to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The mausoleum contains more than Warriors. Figures representing court officials, animals, chariots, and everyday use objects have been found in what can be considered a big necropolis.
Terracotta Warrior Face
But the exhibition was not only about the Qin dynasty. It also included artifacts and information about the Han and Tang dynasties.
The most interesting fact I learned is related to the Han dynasty. Han emperors were also buried with terracotta armies. Conversely, the warriors found in Han burial complexes are not real-size like the ones found in the tomb of the first emperor. They are smaller in scale but equally impressive because each one is unique in its features. Emperors Gaozu and Jingdi made sure 40,000 warriors were ready to serve them in the afterlife. A combination of concubines, animals, and a multitude of objects joined the warriors in serving the emperors.
The following two photos are not the best ones of the day but the background shows how these little warriors were found in the burial pits.
Warriors from the Han dynasty
Han Cavalry
I also liked the story behind the odd-looking figure presented in the next photo. Figures like this represent the horse riders of the army. Scholars believe the riders are women. There are a lot of stories and legends about female warriors in the Han armies. The most famous one is about a young girl called Mulan. Most of us know the story because of the Disney movie of the same name.
Horse rider figure
Now, the Tang dynasty tombs are very different from their predecessors. They were stocked with riches tied to the trade of exotic goods along the Silk Road. Dazzling gold ornaments, tomb guardians, a mural depicting a game of polo, and many other luxuries illustrate the taste of Tang elites and the era’s connection with the West.
Tang elite playing polo, the game arrived from Persia thru the Silk Road
Here are more photos:
Qin Dynasty
Horse
Detail of armor and hand
Archer
Terracota Warrior Face
Terracotta Warrior Face, all faces are different
Terracota Warrior Face
Tang Dynasty
What are your thoughts about the Terracotta Warriors Have you visited the Warriors in Xian? Let me know what you think in the comments section below.
Michael Figueiredo says
How cool! I think I might have to drive out to Santa Ana to catch this exhibition before it’s over. Beautiful photography–especially the close-ups. 🙂
Ruth says
Hey Michael,
The exhibition is going to be in the museum till March 4. So you have about a month to go and see it.
Jan Ross says
So interesting! I had no idea you could see these warriors anywhere but China.
Ruth says
Isn’t that cool? Just for the people who cannot make it to China.
inka says
I’m thrilled about this posz because I saw the exhibition …of all places..in Gibraltar. These statues are so amazing and I bought a reproduction of two of them.
Ruth says
Wow, it is amazing how this exhibiton has been thru the world. I guess a lot of people are interested in seeing the warriors. I also bought a reproduction.
eileen ludwig says
Wow this is incredible to be able to see them here out of their normal environment – truly amazing they are allow this display – Love reading your stories
Ruth says
I think the exhibition was put together with the help of some Chinese universities. Like I said, this is the closer you can get without having to fly to China. I am glad I had the opportunity to visit.
Courtney Mroch says
Aren’t these amazing? I got to see part of them once when they came through Denver. But I didn’t get photos. (It was before I learned to love a camera.) SO awesome to see them again through your eyes.
Ruth says
Courtney,
I think you attended the another exhibiton totally concentrated in the warriors (they had more statues and artifacts from the pits).
I totally understand your comment about the camera. I went to so many places before loving my camera. I once went to Europe for a month and ended up with 700 hundred photos. That is what I took now in a couples of days.
Debbie Beardsley @ European Travelista says
I have not been to Xian but would love to go see the warriors in their home. I’ll have to keep my eyes open in case they show up in NorCal!
I used to work in downtown Santa Ana many many many years ago! I haven’t thought about it in quite awhile so thanks for the trigger 🙂
Ruth says
Wow, you used to work on Santa Ana? I wander how it was at that time. You know all the stories that surround the city.
Bino / Frameless World says
Seeing Terracotta Warriors or visiting Xian, China is still on my bucket list. It’s cool that they feature this great treasures in some exhibitions. I hope to find myself if not in Xian at least in one of their exhibition. Great set of images, Ruth! 🙂
Arkhai says
Thanks for the detailed pictures. I’m looking into the idea of re-creating the crossbowman’s armor. Do you know of any other detailed photo studies of the Terracotta Warriors that I might reference without flying to Xian? Thanks!