Modeling is an additive process, one that requires adding material to the work in progress. One such material is terracotta, a reddish-brown clay derived from the earth that is baked after it is molded to the correct shape.

China’s Terracotta Warriors

During the Qin dynasty in ancient China, Emperor Shi Huangdi ordered the construction of his tomb and several burial pits to guard him in the afterlife. Although it was customary for emperors to begin construction of their tombs while still living, he wanted to bring an army with him to the afterlife, as it was believed that whatever was needed while living would be necessary after death. Since living people and animals were no longer sacrificed upon the death of their leader, representations of them were needed.

Since the discovery of the pits containing the terracotta army in 1974, four have been uncovered—three containing figures and one empty, which reveals that the army was not complete upon Shi Huangdi’s death. Nearly 8,000 life-size terracotta figures of men and horses have been found and are on display at the original site in Xian, China in the Shaanxi province.

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