On the Chinese Dragon with Agnieszka Kowalska, Archeologist
Due to the opening of the ‘Chinese Dragon and the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin’ on 29th December in Experymentarium Discovery Center in Manufaktura, we talk with a renowned Polish archeologist who participated in a number of expeditions.
The new exhibition ‘Chinese Dragon and the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin’ presents the phenomenon of Chinese culture. What is it characterized by?
It is difficult to answer the question what characterizes Chinese tradition and culture. We must not forget that the great China, inhabited by more than a billion people, is the society of various nations, each having its own tradition and often its own beliefs. Still, respect for the elderly and attachment to tradition that stems from Confucian philosphy play an important role in broadly understood culture of China. According to the latter, every human being is ascribed a given role – life can be meaningful only when one acts according to one’s role alloted by fate. On the surface, China may seem to be a vivid mosaic of cultures, a country where colorful festivals: fireworks, red lanterns, golden dragons are the most apparent hallmarks of the exotic civilization. However, we should not forget that celebrations are just an interlude in the everyday reality of hard work of millions of Chinese people.
The name of the exhibition features the dragon motif. What exactly does a dragon mean in Chinese culture?
The patron of the year 2012, which begins in accordance to the Chinese calendar on the 23rd of January, will be the dragon. In China, the dragon is perceived differently than the European dragon devouring virgins and fighting the more brave knights. Chinese dragon is as meek as a lamb. It loves basking in the sunshine, helps bring rain in the time of a drought and only opts for swallows as far as meat is concerned. Dragon’s presence brings good fortune, in case of a lack of a real one, it is worth having just a figurine. Dragon’s dance adds splendor to the Spring Festival or New Yera’s Eve when dragons, animated by thousands of people, ‘come out’ to streets to take part in colorful parades.
The new exhibition is also a presentation of a several dozen warriors of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin. What history is related to this army?
The terracotta army, excavated in 1974, was surrounded by a rather grim legend. The legend concerns the First Chinese Emperor (Qin Shi Huangdi) who united two Chinese kingdoms constatnly fighting each other in 221 BCE. It was believed that the ruler, known for his cruelty among his descendants, ordered to slaughter and bury thousands of people. Meanwhile, the archeological discovery showed that the emperor was a more practical person – he did not exterminate his whole army but rather ordered thousands of clay sculptures to be done that most probably resemble real people because each scuplture has its own individual facial features. Not all of the sculptures have been unearthed, though. Originally they were coloured, however the colors deteriorate irreversibly when exposed to air – they are impossible to preserve with contemporary methods. Thus, it has been decided that no more scupltures will be excavated. The mysteries still remain unsolved- which ones? Visit the exhibition to see.
Thank you for the interview.
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