With the Olympics opening tonight in Beijing, we figured the timing was right to view the Terra Cotta Warrior exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. The Terra Cotta Army, created at the behest of China's first emperor, the boy king Qin, is considered the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World. This is the largest exhibit of its kind ever seen outside of China. The army, consisting of soldiers, servants, musicians, acrobats and animals, was designed to enforce Emperor Qin's rule over the afterlife. For two thousand years, the army remained underground until its' discovery in 1974 by farmers digging a well. That archealogical find unearthed a treasure trove of knowledge about an ancient period of China's history.
While we were waiting to purchase tickets to the exhibit, I noticed what I initially perceived to be a Terra Cotta Warrior statue in the lobby. When the statue waved, I realized my error. The man in the costume looked so authentic it was uncanny. He even moved slowly and deliberately which only enhanced the illusion. His presence made waiting in line much more entertaining, adding a nice touch to an impressive exhibit.
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