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Primary sourceSculptureQin dynasty

Terracotta Attendant Figure from Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum

Qin dynasty

A photograph of a headless terracotta figure made for the tomb complex of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor.

This figure was made as part of the terracotta army commissioned by Qin Shi Huang for his tomb.

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Headless grey terracotta figure of a standing Qin dynasty attendant in a long layered robe with sleeves folded in front, displayed behind glass in a museum on a pale base with two platform feet.
Terracotta attendant figure from the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, Lintong museum, photographed 2011.

About this source

What it is

This photograph, taken in 2011, shows a grey terracotta figure of a standing attendant, part of the vast army of statues created for the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang. It is displayed in the museum at the Lintong mausoleum site.

Why it matters

Qin Shi Huang commissioned thousands of terracotta figures to guard him in the afterlife, reflecting both his belief in life after death and the enormous resources and labor his empire could command. The figures show the skill of Qin-era craftsmen and the emperor's desire for permanent power even beyond death.

Look closer

  • Why might an emperor want an entire army made of clay buried with him?
  • What does the detailed robe and pose suggest about the craftsmanship involved?
  • What is missing from this figure, and what might that tell us about its long burial?

This sculpture is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Emperor Qin Shi Huang on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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