Xianyang's bronze warrior head is unique national treasure

A tiny, 2,200-year-old bronze warrior head statue at the Xianyang Museum in Shaanxi province recently found new life online for looking like a popular crosstalk performer, but its history is actually much more storied. It is the only bronze statue discovered from the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BC) so far, making it a first-class national cultural relic.

Though shorter than a soda can and weighing under 1 kilogram, the cultural relic stands out for its refined workmanship and expressive modeling. It was found in 1982 during archaeological excavations near the Changling Railway Station in Xianyang. Scientists uncovered a metal hoard containing more than 320 bronze items, including production and living tools, weapons, coins, and ornaments.

"When the dust was carefully brushed away, the bronze warrior statue gradually revealed its true appearance, and everyone present was amazed," said Yang Fan, a guide at the Xianyang Museum. "This statue vividly depicts the facial features and headdress of a Qin Dynasty warrior. It is a one-of-a-kind national treasure, truly priceless."

But why does the statue only have a head?

"The statue has a tenon under its neck, which is tapered at the bottom and hollow inside. Based on this, it should be a decorative fitting for some kind of object, and its main body may still be hidden somewhere at the site," Yang added.