Monday, September 18, 2006

Living Terracotta Warrior



A GERMAN art student outfoxed police in China when he disguised himself as one of the 2000 world-famous terracotta warriors and took his place among them, creating an unusual manhunt.

Pablo Wendel, 26, was seen jumping into a 5m-deep pit housing the 2200-year-old unearthed warriors and horses at the terracotta army museum in Xi'an on Saturday, local police told Xinhua news agency.

The sudden movement of the shadowy figure startled the six police officers on duty, who rushed over and followed Wendel into the pit.

But Wendel had come prepared, Xinhua said.

He had carried out a reconnaissance mission a few days earlier and had selected a spot among the warriors that would give him the most cover.

He also designed himself a gown and hat identical to those once worn by Emperor Qinshihuang's warriors, and even brought a plinth to stand on.

After leaping into the pit, he quickly donned his costume and waited.

Police said it took them two minutes to find the "living terracotta warrior", clad in military garb and staring straight ahead with unblinking eyes. more

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