Ancient Henan tomb excavated
11-25-2007 11:31
Archeologists have finished excavating an ancient graveyard in Central China's Henan Province. Several important artifacts discovered there have lead cultural experts and the media to call the excavation, "the most important archeological project of the year."
Preliminary research and studies have convinced archeologists the cemetery dates back to the Eastern Wei Dynasty about 1,500 years ago. The site is located in Anyang, a major town in the country's early history.
The largest tomb complex is completely made of bricks. A ten-meter lane leads to the chamber, flanked by three archways and a heavy stone gate.
The occupants are believed to be a couple, a 50-year old man and a 30-year old woman. Stored with them are nearly 200 ceramic sculptures in the shapes of hogs, dogs, chicken, and cattle, reflecting the life back then.
Judging from the figures on the murals, archeologists believe the tomb was built for aristocrats of the nomadic people in the country's north.
In another tomb are a group of well-preserved murals depicting the time-honored legend titled "Twenty Four Exemplary Cases of Filial Duty."
The stories are done in a comic-book style and the artwork is exquisite. An inscription at the end of the paintings indicates the tomb was built in 548 AD.
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