La tomba XII di Cannas di Sotto (Carbonia) : un'inedita figurina e nuovi dati sull'ipogeismo funerario in Sardegna

The necropolis of Cannas di Sotto, a domus de janas necropolis within the municipality of Carbonia, is returning important insights into Sardinian hypogeism. This remarkable burial site is formed by a multitude of hypogeal, collective, graves intricately carved into the solid bedrock, each of which housed the commingled remains of hundreds of individuals. It is characterized by a prolonged period of use that, as attested by the studies conducted throughout the years, spanned from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age, with, at times, modern reuses. The excavation conducted in grave XII yielded results that are of particular significance in that it returned an intact archaeological deposit, which can be ascribed between the Neolithic and the Copper Age; a phase attested by a considerable number of finds, among which three exquisitely carved female figurines crafted from bone.

The systematic study of the complex and the interdisciplinary approach adopted are enabling insight into the biological profile and living conditions of the population buried at Cannas di Sotto. They are, likewise, placing the research within a more articulated framework, which takes into consideration the community or communities that chose to bury their deceased at Cannas di Sotto, their know-how, their interactions with the outside world, and their rituals and beliefs. The archaeological discovery of 4 human figurines in the domus de janas can contribute to a better understanding of the meaning of anthropomorphic figurines. [Publisher's text]