National Geographic Museum Blog

As you probably know by now, we are running a photo challenge! The challenge winner will get their photograph posted in the National Geographic Museum entry-way into the exhibit. Each week, we like to feature one entrant who has taken a possible contender.

Chill out. Watch the warriors. Get excited for the Fall.

This month has flown by and with it your knowledge of all things terra cotta must have swelled immensely. Here are a few more facts to get you ready for the day you encounter Jeopardy’s “Terra Cotta Warriors” category.

1. The warriors guarded the east side of the tomb from enemies, while mountains and rivers served as natural barriers against attack from the other directions.
2. Each terra cotta horse has a saddle on its back, but there are no stirrups to help steady the rider.
3. Although markings on the coins found in the tomb indicate that each weighed eight grams, the coins are slightly different sizes and weights.
4. The First Emperor started building his tomb as soon as he became king of the state of Qin.
5. It is estimated that the tomb contains over 7,000 warriors, more than 600 horses, and 100 chariots.

Chinese archeologists are going to begin excavation on another part of the terra cotta army site, with the hope of finding the “commander” of the force.

“We’re hoping to find a clay figure that represented a high-ranking army officer, for example,” he told Chinese state media. The dig will focus on a 2,153 sq ft patch inside the first of four pits around the emperor’s tomb.

For more on the story, please read the following article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/china/5494393/Hunt-begins-for-leader-of-Terracotta-army.html

Photo by Wang Da Gang

It’s always great to be in the know— lucky for you, our special exhibit pictures will be showing up every Thursday.

Courtesy of Christina on Flickr

As you know, National Geographic Museum is running a photo challenge. The pictures posted on the site are all possible forerunners. To be considered for the challenge, please submit your photos to our flickr group. For more information look here: http://www.flickr.com/groups/1067468@N21/

Check out this video of a tourist’s travels to Xian that we found recently on YouTube.

Fast Fact Trivia Challenge:
Quick: What are the tomb ceilings made of?
Answer: Read on to find out.

1. The ceilings of the tomb were made of large tree trunks.
2. Officers on chariots would carry a bell and drum to give signals during battle.
3. Qin Shihuangdi ruled as China’s First Emperor between 221 and 210 BC.
4. Many different workshops produced the palace’s roof tiles. The tiles were stamped with information about the workshop that made them.
5. Sets of body armor and helmets are not uniform, but vary according to the rank and function of the soldiers for whom they were made. For example, generals’ armor is often adorned with tied ribbons.

Cathy Cai, a Chinese native and current journalist, worked with Chi Chang during his recent trip to DC. Following him around as he went to the Nationals ball game, the Kennedy Center, and the National Zoo, Cai was shocked by the impression he made on locals and visitors alike. Cai noted that “He really understands the spirit of the terra cotta warriors and he looks like a warrior. When he would move slowly people would be scared. He has great charisma and acts the way warriors would. When he is standing there he looks like a statue and even his walk is really slow and looks like he is from ancient times.”

Chi Chang speaks only his native Mandarin so Cai was needed to assist him around the city and to communicate on behalf of National Geographic Museum staff. However, when in his full terra cotta warrior costume, Chi Chang does not speak so as to stay in character. In these situations, he would only respond to Cai with nods confirming or denying his intentions.

The man behind Chi Chang is known as Jarry. He is a performance artist from Taiwan who actually makes his own costumes. Every time he makes a public appearance, Chang spends 30 minutes or more applying full makeup, wardrobe, and getting into character. While Cai was not able to see him apply the makeup, she was able to see the dynamic transformation from Jarry to Chi Chang. She noted that it was almost impossible to recognize Jarry when he was in costume as everything about him changed.

For more on Jarry and to meet his translator, Cathy Cai, stay tuned for the upcoming Fall schedule.

Cathy Cai and Chi Chang