Archaeologists have unearthed 146 cultural relics from a complex of 17 tombs dating back to the dynasties of Song (960 to 1279) and Jin (1115 to 1234) in north China's Hebei Province.

The archaeologists say the tombs are found during construction of a power plant in Shexian County.

The historical relics include 126 coins, seven porcelain jars, four ceramic bowls, a silver earring, two bronze rings, a jade bead and a brick bearing a warrior's portrait.

The most valuable relic is the 33.5 cm long, 17 cm wide and five cm thick brick, on which is painted a figure.

Archaeologists say the painting was drawn in ink and features a man standing with his hair piled on top of his head. He's wearing a long gown and leather boot and is holding a sword in his right hand.

The find will provide significant clues into the customs, cultural traditions and burial rites in the area 800 years ago, the archaeologists said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 13, 2007)