The problem with the warriors
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They are acknowledged as one of the wonders of the world. An entire army buried underground that has survived for centuries. In the 36 years since they were discovered I had only ever heard people speak about them with awe and wonderment.
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The natural atmospheric lighting of excavation pit 1. [Jonathan Jones] |
Take it from me, the pride of the Chinese people in this ancient military force is genuinely matched by the admiration of the rest of the world at such historic marvels. On a personal level, they were the main reason I came to China and settled in Shaanxi Province. After marveling at their uniqueness at an exhibition held at the British Museum in London there was only one place I wanted to be. Their allure for me and many others is that strong.
My affection for these emotive figures is unshakeable so on my most recent trip to the site I was amazed to hear murmurs of discontent from the visiting tour groups. Making my way around the immense hanger that houses excavation pit 1 of the Terra-cotta Warriors I continuously came across disgruntled visitors of all ages.
The younger ones I could understand. In any country in the world children can only be amused for so long by relics of the past before they begin to yearn for an open space to run in or a TV to watch cartoons on.
It was the teenagers and adults grumbles that interested me. How could they not be like me, captivated by the history laid out before them?
Some wanted to be closer to the exhibits, some wanted to touch them, others complained about the building saying it was too high, too cold or lacked "atmospheric lighting".
An illogical catalogue of complaints if ever I'd heard one.
You are close enough to see the soldier's individual, enigmatic expressions and anyone who visits an ancient site and expects to manhandle the goods cannot appreciate just how delicate these items are. The building is the size and temperature it is for continuing the excavation and for the protection of the exhibit not for the comfort of the observers. If you want "atmospheric lighting" I would respectfully suggest missing out the uncomfortable archaeological element and head for the on-site museum where chariots and horses are displayed in tasteful spotlights surrounded by darkness.
