Two terracotta figurines dating to 2,500 years ago may be the oldest terracotta figurines produced by China's Qin State circa 221 B.C.

Chinese archaeologists said the rough-hewn, 4-inch-tall statutes are older than the famous 8,000 terracotta warriors and horses buried with the first Chinese emperor Qinshihuang, Xinhua, China's official news agency, reported.

The two objects were found by farmers at the ruins of Yongcheng, an ancient Qin state capital, in northwest Shaanxi Province.

Researchers said the small terracotta figurines might have been used to decorate houses.