The Terra Cotta Army at the High Museum

Image via WikipediaI went to see the Terra Cotta Army exhibit at the High Museum yesterday, it was incredible. I took my almost 11 year old and 4 year old. The 4 year old was interested for a short while, but the 11 year old listened and hung on every word in the audio tour. At dinner we had a great discussion about all we learned.
The thought that these artifacts are thousands of years old is incredible. It was like viewing the Chinese version of the Tut exhibit. (which starts in ATL this weekend too) For those who don’t know about this, here’s a little background. In 1974 a farmer was digging a well and discovered a clay head (how creepy would that have been). Turns out that head was part of a 23 square mile 2000 year old complex that included the First Emperor of China’s tomb and 7000, yes, three zeros, terra cotta soldiers to guard it. They’ve excavated about 1000 of the soldiers, but are waiting to enter the tomb of the Emperor until they have better technology. Knowing what was found in Tut’s tomb, I wonder what they’ll find in Emperor Chin’s tomb that would require 7000 soldiers to guard it?
The soldiers stand 6 ft to 6 ft 5 inches high, significantly larger than the average man was in that time. In addition, they’ve found clay horses, acrobats and entertainers, and animals. Examples of all of these are included in the display. There are about 10 – 12 of the soldiers on display. Interestingly, all of these were made on an assembly line using 1000 conscribed workers. However, each solider is unique, with different hairdo’s, headdresses and clothing. Military rank can be determined by the clothing and headpieces. When first done, the soldiers were painted with brightly colored paints, apparently dyes were readily available in China including a purple color that was lost for centuries. None of the pieces are painted now, but they have a picture of what they would have looked like.
I didn’t listen to the audio tour, it’s too hard to listen and try to interest a 4 year old. However, my son said it was very interesting. I plan to go back with my parents, so maybe I’ll listen then.
This is a great exhibit period, but it’s especially good for boys who love all things military. Judging from how much the neighborhood uses our toy arsenal, I’d say that’s most boys. If you go, don’t go before 1 pm during the week unless you want to get mauled by school groups. The weekends will be very busy also. The best time to go is afternoons during the week. The museum is open until 8 pm on Thursdays.
Sunday is the grand opening. I’m sure the exhibit will be mobbed, but they’re also having activities outside including Chinese dancing and musical performances. There is also the opportunity to create your own terra cotta soldier. This might be more fun for the little ones as it’s more interactive. If it’s anything like the gladiators they had last year, I can’t recommend it enough. My kids are still talking about that program.
I do think the High missed the mark on one item. The gift shop didn’t have the cheap $5 bag of soldiers. I thought for sure I could get the Chinese soldiers version of army men. How cool for the kids to create their own army of thousands. I wonder how much space 7000 army men would take up?