A batch of flying dragon and figurines made of lead were discovered in northwest China's Shaanxi Province recently.

Four dragons figurines were found in a tomb dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907A.D.) in the eastern part of Xi'an, the provincial capital. Two more were found in a nearby tomb. Half of the six dragons figurines are well-preserved. They average 13 centimeters long and 5.4 cm in height.

Chinese archaeologists have also found four lead figurines in one of the 39 tombs unearthed during construction of a residential quarters in the western suburb of the city. One was a male figurine 13.8 cm. high, wearing a long robe with both hands folded his chest.

Two maidservants unearthed from one tomb have plump faces and slender figures, but with different hairstyles.

"The purpose of placing lead maidservants in the tomb was to prevent evils spirits from entering the tomb and serving the tomb occupant," an archaeologist said.