Rare exhibit of China’s army displayed at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Eight life-size warriors, two horses and more than 120 rare treasures traveled halfway around the world in an exhibition that includes pieces never before seen in the United States.
“Terracotta Warriors: The First Emperor’s Legacy”runs until Jan. 20 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (MIA). Pieces in the exhibit come from 13 institutions across China, some of which were excavated as recently as 2005.
In the third century, BC, Emperor Qin Shihuang. ordered the creation of a “ghost army” to protect him in the afterlife. Fragments of the soldiers were discovered by farmers in 1974 near Mount Li in the Shaanxi province of China.
Since then, archaeologists have unearthed more than 7,000 warriors, horses and chariots, as well as an underground tomb for the Emperor. The MIA was one of the first museums outside of China to exhibit some of the warriors in 1985.
Freshman Maggie Lingner said she is excited to have the opportunity to see the army since the exhibit is in Minneapolis.
“I have always been fascinated by Chinese culture and history,” she said. “I first heard about terracotta soldiers in eighth grade, and I have been wanting to know more since. I think it would be awesome to see something that has survived for so many centuries.”
Tammy Pleshek, the press and public relations specialist at MIA said students like Lingner should be excited that a local museum is hosting such an important exhibit.
“Unlike previous exhibitions, ‘China’s Terracotta Warriors’ emphasizes the importance of the most recent archaeological discoveries from the tomb complex and other sites,” Pleshek said.
Senior Chris Stanley said the proximity of the exhibit in the Twin Cities has enabled his Theory of Knowledge class to take a field trip to go see the terracotta warriors on display in late December.
“It’s really cool that this exhibit is coming to Minnesota, and I am very excited to see something so unique,” he said.
Stanley also said he finds the historical aspects of the exhibit interesting to learn about.
“I am excited to see things that are so ancient and from the other side of the world,” he said. “I think it is a good cultural experience and will give a good worldview.”
Freshman India Rounds said her motivation to go to the exhibit comes from these unique artistic qualities and her love of art.
“I like art because I think anyone can interpret it the way they want, and everyone has a style they like,” Rounds said. “I would be interested (in going) because I haven’t found my style yet and I like to learn about different cultures.”
Rounds also said she would go due to the rare nature of the pieces in the exhibit.
“I might not ever get the chance to see them again,” she said.
Although the exhibit is expensive, Lingner said she is not worried about the price of admission to view the warriors.
“I would definitely consider going to this exhibit,” she said. “This would be a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I wouldn’t want to miss it, because I know I’d regret it if I didn’t go.”
