The No 2 Pit of the Terracotta Warriors at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Xi'an. [Photo/VCG]
Archaeologists recently uncovered a rare figurine of a high-ranking military officer in No 2 Pit of the Terracotta Warriors at the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.
This is the first such discovery in nearly 30 years of formal excavation, offering significant material evidence for studying Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) military organization and systems.
The high-ranking military officer, also called a "general figurine", represents the highest-ranking soldiers among the Terracotta Warriors. These figurines are characterized by a distinctive headdress, elaborate armor with finely detailed patterns, and hands clasped in front of the torso. Only 10 such figurines have been found across the pits to date.
Zhu Sihong, head of the No 2 Pit archaeological project, explained that the figurine was discovered with its hands clasped and wearing a crown. Surrounding it were two military officer figurines and five armored warrior figurines, leading researchers to identify it as a high-ranking officer. Its central position suggests it may have served as the military unit commander in No 2 Pit. The discovery provides crucial insights into the Qin military command system, troop organization, and battle formations, enriching research on Qin military history.
The figurine's pottery fragments are being restored in the on-site conservation laboratory. Experts are also working to stabilize the color of its painted right lower leg. Additionally, archaeologists discovered two chariot relics nearby, revealing three clay horses and three warrior figurines during preliminary cleaning.
The No 2 Pit, known for its large-scale formations of crossbowmen, cavalry, and chariots, began its first formal excavation in 1994 and concluded in 1998. The second excavation phase started in 2015. To date, archaeologists have identified various formations, including cavalries, crossbowmen, chariots, and mixed formations, highlighting the strategic complexity of the Qin military forces.