An array of stone figurines, which are believed to be some 2,000 years old, have been found in central China's Henan Province.

The figurines, with a maximum height of 30 centimeters, were discovered by a farmer named Ma Qingguang in Macifan village in Neihuang county when he was digging holes in his field to trap mice Friday.

Ma dug up 20 figurines and reported his discovery to local authorities.

Experts from the provincial archaeology institute went to the site after receiving the report and found in an area of about nine square meters 24 more figurines, which they later buried again for protection.

Archaeologists took away the 20 figurines unearthed by the farmer for further research.

Liu Haiwang, a researcher with the provincial archaeology institute, said that it is a rare event to discover so many figurines in such a small area.

From the style, experts believed the figurines might be products of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C.-220).

Local cultural relic workers in Neihuang county are preparing for further excavations in a wider area.

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