The enigmatic facial features and intricate battle dresses of the Chinese terracotta soldiers at the Museum of Archaeology are not only mesmerising adults.

A group of pupils who visited the exhibition in Republic Street, Valletta kept asking questions about the daily life of these "soldiers" and the fear they were supposed to instil in the enemy.

The children were taken round by Clive Cortis, Heritage Malta site officer, who has a knack of getting children interested in these inanimate yet haunting artefacts.

Brigitte Kingswell, education and events executive at Heritage Malta, prepared a visual exercise for the young visitors helping them to observe certain details more closely.

Mario Cutajar, head of visitor services and HR at Heritage Malta, said that since its inauguration on April 1, the world-renowned artefacts have attracted an average of 500 visitors a day.

"We were overwhelmed by the intense interest shown by local and foreign visitors, alike.

"In fact, the interest has not waned. The show, which is open seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., runs until July 31.

"The patronage for this exhibition has confirmed the great demand there is by the public to enjoy the exquisite attraction of such internationally acclaimed icons.

"This has boosted Heritage Malta's quest to secure temporarily other cultural gems and bring them over to be displayed here," Mr Cutajar said.

In a bid to instil in the young an awareness about world cultural treasures, Heritage Malta is organising a drawing competition tied to the Silent Warriors Terracotta Soldiers exhibition.

The competition, which closes on May 31, is open to three age groups: four to seven; eight to 11 and a third for those aged between 12 and 16.

The winning entries together with a selection of other drawings will be displayed at the Museum of Archaeology until the exhibition closes on July 31.

Further details can be obtained by calling the education officers at Heritage Malta on 2295 4324.