Archaeologists in central China's Henan Province said they have identified 42 tombs unearthed since 2017 to be a family tomb of bronzeware artisans dating back over 3,000 years.

A bird's eye view of a family tomb of ancient bronzeware artisans discovered in central China's Henan Province, June 5, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua]

The tomb complex is China's first identified family tomb of bronzeware artisans of the Shang Dynasty (B.C. 1600-B.C. 1046), said He Yuling, researcher of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

A family tomb of ancient bronzeware artisans discovered in central China's Henan Province, June 5, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua]

The 42 tombs were unearthed in the ruins of a workshop of ritual bronzeware for royal families excavated in August 2015.

Tools such as pottery moulds, copper knives and polishing stones were also found in the tombs.

An archaeologist cleans a family tomb of ancient bronzeware artisans discovered in central China's Henan Province, June 5, 2019. [Photo: Xinhua]

The unearthed tombs of artisans will help researchers study bronzeware techniques and the role and hierarchy of artisans in the Shang Dynasty, He said.