Period: Western Zhou Dynasty(About 1100-771 BC)
Listed in: 2005
Excavated by:Shanxi Province Archeological Research Institute; the Yucheng City Cultural Relics Administration; the Jiangxian Cultural Affairs Bureau
Archeological team leader: Song Jianzhong
Hengshui cemetery is located in northern Hengshui town, Shanxi Province. More than 300 tombs have been discovered within 30,000 square meters. The unearthed relics include 191 tombs, bronze wares,jadewares, and potteries, which adding up to 2000 pieces. The earliest and the best-preserved coffin covers have been found here. Other coffin decorating pieces are also under careful excavation, providing large amount of information about tombs of Shang and Zhou dynasties.
Coffin covers are recorded in pre-Qin historical works such asRites of the Zhou, Etiquette and Ceremonial, and Records of Rites. Yet only some small and destroyed pieces were found before.