Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
September 2024-TERRACOTTA WARRIORS
Carnivale on the Green: A Railcar Based Traveling Carnival
RAIL CAR #70 WARRIOR STATUES
RAIL CAR #71 PHOTO OP
RAIL CAR #72 SOUVENIR SALES
1974, SHAANXI, CHINA
While digging a well, a small group of farmers unearthed a terracotta statue. The rest is history. Subsequent excavation unearthed the burial site of Win Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China (209 BCE). To protect and serve him in the afterlife, he constricted over 700,000 workers to cast, carve and paint over 8,000 terracotta soldiers, horses, chariots, servants, entertainers, along with other items to be buried with him. The discovery drew worldwide attention.
True to form, the CARNIVALE carnies immediately seized on the opportunity to profit from this world-famous discovery. Also, true to form, nothing was real with CARNIVALE, always a sham. With no artifacts allowed to be removed from the site to be exploited, which didn't matter to the carnies, they would produce their own 'authentic' terracotta warriors for display and sale.
The statues were cast with the same Plaster of Paris that was used for making chalk ware*, which was easily tinted with iron oxide to make it appear to be terracotta. Bakelite** was used for making game prizes was now was now used to make the 'Jade' figurines. Empty commercial size tin cans from the kitchen were turned into the 'brass' lanterns.
We are dedicated to providing you with the latest and greatest information on our favorite hobby. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, we have everything you need to take your skills to the next level. From tutorials and tips to product reviews and community forums, we've got you covered!
Even the elderly Chinese gentleman working the souvenir railcar was a ruse. His name was Thor Gundersen, a Norwegian. Thor, along with his twin brother Gunther Gundersen, also a Norwegian, ran the mold shop...........True.
FORTUNE COOKIE SAYS: Man who buys fake Plaster of Paris Chinese terracotta statue best not leave out in rain.
CHALK WARE was a common 'prize' offered at carnival games. Called chalk ware because they were cast in Plaster of Paris.
**BAKELITE was the first hard 'plastic' moldable resin (patented 1909) that could be blended with different fillers to simulate various materials.
P.S. Did you notice who is getting his picture taken on the photo car? And, did you also notice the second photographer? It appears he was avoiding paying the operator and is sneaking a few shots of his own. And he looks familiar.
