Measurement and analysis of facial features of terracotta warriors based on high-precision 3D point clouds

High-precision 3D point cloud modeling and anthropometric analysis reveal that the terracotta warriors from Qin Shihuang's mausoleum were crafted from real portraits, closely resembling contemporary Chinese facial features. This challenges the notion of standardized models, suggesting instead that these life-sized figures represent an actual army intended to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The study employed mathematical statistics, including MDS and cluster analysis, to compare the warriors' facial traits with 29 modern Chinese ethnic groups, demonstrating a strong resemblance that supports the interpretation of individualized craftsmanship.

Hu, Y., Lan, D., Wang, J., Hou, M., Li, S., Li, X., & Zhu, L. (2022). Measurement and analysis of facial features of terracotta warriors based on high-precision 3D point clouds. Heritage Science, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00662-0