Officer figurine head retrieved from terracotta army's Pit No. 2

Experts extracted the head of an officer figurine from the archaeological excavation site of Pit No. 2 of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. Before the extraction began, extensive preparatory work was conducted. This included analyzing soil elements, recording and collecting color data, implementing color reinforcement measures to protect painted surfaces, taking photographs, creating sketches, and performing multiple 3D scans.

Experts noted that extracting a painted figurine head requires special attention to detail compared to a standard figurine head to ensure that the painted surface remains undamaged. Before extraction, they also assessed whether the head's crown was tightly compressed against a terracotta horse to ensure neither got damaged. Experts also took measures to ensure humidity control after the excavation.