The Chinese terra-cotta warriors installed here in 2016 are centerpiece of campus and are a point of pride for students and administrators of this small public university.
Each kind of warrior wears distinct types of shoes, armor, breastplates and hairstyles. The subtle differences between the warriors indicate status, or rank, or function.
To hekp the viewer, the different kinds of terracotta warriors come with explanatory signage as follows:
"CHARIOTEERS AND CAVALRY
Within the Emperor’s terra-cotta army, chariots acted as a first line of defense for infantryman placed behind them. In these highly visible positions, armored charioteers were given the task of driving and protecting the Army’s equestrian force. One charioteer stood center chariot with arms outstretched holding the reins to for horses, and he was flanked on both sides by the charioteers you see here today -- standing with clasped hands that once wielded dagger-axes and halberds to help protect their horses.
GENERALS
Generals are the highest-ranking officials within the Emperor’s terra-cotta army. Easily identifiable because of his height and long coat that supports a pointed breastplate of armor, and armored general is also spotted by his winged “pheasant cap” that resembles a bird with two tails. The positioning of a warrior’s hair is a clear indicator of status and rank within the Emperor’s army. A general can be identified by the many ribbons adorning his uniform as well as by the severe angle of his shoes. The more severe the angle of the shoe front, the greater the rank of the soldier.
INFANTRY
Originally found placed in rows of four behind the formation of chariots, infantryman served as one of the major powerhouses of hand-to-hand combat within the Emperor’s army. Artists equipped heavy infantryman with weapons such as halberds and swords as well as substantial plated armor overlong tunics. However, as members of the advance guard, light infantryman were created without armor allowing them to move on foot with agility and speed. Quick on their feet, light infantryman were originally placed in formation with arranged weapons and crossbows.
KNEELING ARCHERS
Kneeling archers are heavily armored and built for battle. Panels of armor protect each soldier’s shoulders, chest, abdomen, and back in beautifully handcrafted and sculpted interconnecting plates. Perched on one knee, archers are poised and appear to be frozen in the moments just before raising their crossbows for battle. An indicator of rank and status within the Army, each kneeling archers hair is positioned in abundant on the back of his head, and many of the originals were sculpted with decorative braids woven into their hairstyles.
STANDING ARCHERS
Almost a complete opposite from kneeling archers, these archers can be seen standing tall in positions that indicate lowering of their bows. Standing archers hold their heads high with a look of concentration upon their faces. Any original warriors have their hair sculpted with small decorative braids brought up into buns positioned at the back of their heads. Like all terra-cotta warriors, the positioning of hair is an indicator of rank and status within the Emperor’s army. Without armor, standing archers would not only serve the Army through ranged attacks, they would also be able to move quickly and without limitation during battle."
From the National Geographic society: (
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"Emperor Qin's Tomb
The Terra-Cotta Army protects the tomb of China's first emperor.
By John Roach
Workers digging a well outside the city of Xi'an, China, in 1974 struck upon one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world: a life-size clay soldier poised for battle.
The diggers notified Chinese authorities, who dispatched government archaeologists to the site.
They found not one, but thousands of clay soldiers, each with unique facial expressions and positioned according to rank. And though largely gray today, patches of paint hint at once brightly colored clothes. Further excavations have revealed swords, arrow tips, and other weapons, many in pristine condition.
The soldiers are in trenchlike, underground corridors. In some of the corridors, clay horses are aligned four abreast; behind them are wooden chariots.
The terra-cotta army, as it is known, is part of an elaborate mausoleum created to accompany the first emperor of China into the afterlife, according to archaeologists.
YOUNG EMPEROR
Ying Zheng took the throne in 246 B.C. at the age of 13. By 221 B.C. he had unified a collection of warring kingdoms and took the name of Qin Shi Huang Di—the First Emperor of Qin.
During his rule, Qin standardized coins, weights, and measures; interlinked the states with canals and roads; and is credited for building the first version of the Great Wall.
According to writings of court historian Siam Qian during the following Han dynasty, Qin ordered the mausoleum's construction shortly after taking the throne. More than 700,000 laborers worked on the project, which was halted in 209 B.C. amid uprisings a year after Qin's death.
To date, four pits have been partially excavated. Three are filled with the terra-cotta soldiers, horse-drawn chariots, and weapons. The fourth pit is empty, a testament to the original unfinished construction."
No, these terracotta warriors on display ARE NOT the ancient Chines treasures of Emperor Qin. They are replicas made from castings of the ancient figures.
From the Troy University website: (
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"East meets West in the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park where people of all ages come together to celebrate, to dance, to sing, to learn, to find inspiration and to experience the world.
Made possible through generous contributions, the park includes an amphitheater, walking trails, lagoon and several prominent art installations. “Violata Pax Dove,” by the artist Fred “Nall” Hollis, is located in the Daniel Foundation of Alabama Plaza and is a symbol of both beauty and sorrow. Throughout the park, 200 replica terracotta warriors by the artist Huo Bao Zhu are displayed in exhibits representing the famous excavations in China.
Inside the International Arts Center, the Fred “Nall” Hollis Museum features Nall’s works from the 1960s to today, and the Huo Bao Zhu Gallery houses a revolving gallery of art and visiting exhibits. The Warriors Unearthed exhibit by artist Frank Marquette interprets the history behind the famous terracotta warriors."