Chinese archaeologists have unearthed 41 tombs from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) in Shexian county in north China's Hebei Province.

Archaeologists with the Hebei provincial cultural heritage research institute say that the group of tombs, which cover an area of about 2,000 square meters, mostly date back to the early period of the dynasty.

The 135 items of relics found include 80 copper coins, 43 porcelain utensils, and several buttons and rings.

Most of the porcelain utensils are of black or brown glaze.

Initial findings indicate that two of the coins were made during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and another pair were handed down from the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

Similar to the style of the Song Dynasty, the tombs provide new clues to the study of funeral customs between the Song era and modern times, said an archaeologist.

(Xinhua News Agency May 2, 2007)