Archaeologists from the Datong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology recently unearthed a large group of terracotta figurines from a tomb in a group dating to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) in Datong, Shanxi province.

Experts said the new archaeological discovery provides new materials for the study of funeral culture, ethnic costumes and social life of the dynasty.

Various patterns can be seen in the figurines, including musicians, dancers, servants, laborers, animals and vessels.

The relics show that the tomb owners were members of the upper class. Costumes of the female musicians show the integration of national culture and costume development during the period.

These terracotta figurines are unearthed by archaeologists from the Datong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology from a tomb dating to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) in Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This terracotta figurine is unearthed by archaeologists from the Datong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology from a tomb dating to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) in Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

This terracotta figurine is unearthed by archaeologists from the Datong Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology from a tomb dating to the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534) in Datong, Shanxi province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]