Publications
Color reconstruction by photometric stereo with unknown lighting of rock art carvings found in two Sardinian Domus de Janas
A novel approach to photometric stereo imaging has successfully addressed computational challenges in reconstructing 3D color models of rock art carvings from Sardinian Domus de Janas tombs. The method introduces numerical indicators that assess dataset reliability, overcoming issues like non-Lambertian surface properties and insufficient light source distance. This advancement enables accurate digital documentation of fragile, immobile artifacts without altering their original location, preserving both cultural heritage and scientific analysis. By applying these techniques to two Sardinian sites, researchers demonstrate a robust solution for studying prehistoric engravings that were previously difficult to capture due to lighting and surface irregularities.
Cross-border co-creation of conservation perspectives for the archaeological sites Domus de Janas , Sardinia–Italy
A collaborative approach to archaeological conservation, involving students and academics from the UK and Italy, along with local stakeholders, has yielded innovative strategies for preserving Sardinia's Domus de Janas sites. These rock-cut hypogeum tombs, significant yet under-preserved, were the focus of a co-creation workshop that addressed accessibility, material conservation, and interpretation. The process identified decay as an opportunity to enhance authenticity and leveraged landscape context for revitalization and musealization. Four conceptual proposals emerged, blending theoretical understanding with practical insights, demonstrating the potential of cross-border collaboration to enrich heritage conservation practices. This study underscores the value of inclusive, interdisciplinary methods in uncovering hidden narratives and promoting sustainable development.
Evaluation of a Subsequent Deposition of Human Bodies in a Funerary Site in Sardinia (Italy) Using Entomological Evidence
A rare entomological analysis of a Sardinian Neolithic tomb, the Domus de Janas at Filigosa, reveals new insights into prehistoric funerary practices. Mineralized remains of blow flies (Calliphora and Lucilia) and beetles (Necrobia) suggest that human bodies were exposed briefly before being deposited in the chamber, allowing initial colonization by flies. Subsequent primary burials occurred within the same space, with geological changes sealing the tomb shortly after use ceased. This study demonstrates how forensic entomology can reconstruct ancient burial sequences, bridging a gap in the application of this method to sites thousands of years old.
Neural network for archaeological glyph detection
A novel approach leveraging convolutional neural networks (CNNs) significantly enhances the detection and classification of ancient glyphs in Sardinia's Neolithic Domus de Janas tombs, addressing challenges posed by environmental degradation. By preprocessing images to isolate glyphs from backgrounds, researchers mitigated distortions caused by lighting and wear, improving analysis accuracy. The study employed AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and EfficientNet models to categorize glyphs and identify geometric features, offering a more efficient method for preserving and studying these culturally significant artifacts.
Guerra tra giganti. Il riconoscimento del patrimonio archeologico sardo tra conservazione e accessibilità
A recent analysis highlights the pressing need for balanced conservation and accessibility strategies to safeguard Sardinia's unique archaeological heritage, particularly its domus de janas and nuraghe sites. These structures, recognized for their distinctive decorative elements and cultural significance, face challenges in legal protection, maintenance, and public access. The study, conducted by the Superintendency of Culture, evaluates current conservation projects and proposes guidelines to enhance the recognition process while ensuring sustainable access. By examining the legal status, ongoing initiatives, and future plans, this research aims to provide a comprehensive framework for preserving Sardinia's archaeological assets without compromising their accessibility.
A spatial statistical study of the distribution of Sardinian nuraghes
A spatial statistical analysis of Sardinian nuraghes reveals significant clustering patterns and strong interactions with funerary structures, particularly domus de janas. The study found that nuraghe elevations are uniformly distributed between 0 and 400 meters, while their proximity to holy wells peaks at approximately 5 kilometers. Clustering is most pronounced in the mid-west, central, and south-west regions of Sardinia. Additionally, strong spatial interactions were observed with pre-Nuragic dolmens, menhirs, and collective funerary structures like 'Nuragic giants’ tombs' within a 1000-meter range. This research provides new insights into the spatial relationships between prehistoric sites, employing non-stationary G- and J-functions and Poisson models to quantify these patterns effectively.
First evidence of vivianite in human bones from a third millennium BC Domus de Janas: Filigosa tomb 1, Macomer (NU), Sardinia
Researchers have uncovered the first evidence of vivianite, a phosphate mineral, in human bones from a third millennium BC Domus de Janas tomb in Sardinia. This discovery, documented in Filigosa Tomb 1 near Macomer, represents one of the oldest occurrences of this mineral in Italy and predates the use of iron. Vivianite forms through the interaction of phosphate, iron, and water, suggesting unique environmental or burial conditions that facilitated its preservation. The study, conducted on osteological samples from a well-preserved tomb excavated in 1965, provides insights into prehistoric funerary practices and mineralization processes in Sardinian archaeological sites.
“Trachytes” from Sardinia: Geoheritage and Current Use
Sardinia's volcanic rocks, known as 'Trachytes of Sardinia,' exhibit diverse aesthetic qualities due to their varied colors, structures, and textures. These rocks, primarily dacites and rhyolites with subordinate andesites, have been historically significant in Sardinian architecture, dating back to prehistoric times and continuing through Roman and modern eras. The study explores the geoheritage value of these trachytes, detailing their geological-petrographic framework, historical uses, and current quarrying practices. It highlights their presence in notable structures such as nuraghi, domus de janas, and churches, while also analyzing production methods and suggesting strategies to enhance geotourism in the region.
Bâtir sous terre : architectures et techniques des sépultures collectives hypogées de Méditerranée occidentale à la fin de la Préhistoire
A groundbreaking analysis of Mediterranean hypogean architecture reveals distinct regional variations in the construction techniques and operational strategies used for collective burial sites during the late prehistoric period. The study, conducted across France's Fontvieille monumental complex and Sardinia's S'elighe Entosu necropolis, employed a tripartite methodology combining technological analysis of excavation tools, photogrammetric examination of wall traces, and experimental validation to test hypotheses about construction processes. Findings indicate that while core techniques were shared, local adaptations reflected cultural priorities and resource availability, challenging assumptions about the uniformity of Mediterranean burial practices. This research not only advances understanding of prehistoric engineering but also sheds light on the social significance of these subterranean structures within communities.
Art and Death in Late Neolithic Sardinia: The Role of Carvings and Paintings in Domus de Janas Rock-cut Tombs
Late Neolithic Sardinian rock-cut tombs, known as domus de janas, were not merely burial sites but complex ritual architectures where art played a pivotal role in shaping deathways. A systematic analysis of carvings and paintings—depicting architectural structures, cattle-head motifs, and geometric designs—in these tombs revealed that motifs were consistently placed at specific locations, suggesting standardized ritual uses. Art actively structured spaces, sequenced rituals, and shaped the ceremonial experience, indicating its significance as a key agent in Late Neolithic death practices.
El Hipogeo Neolitico de Badde de Janas (Putifigari, Cerdeña, Italia): Una Nueva Domus de Janas Con Representaciòn Del Techo
A newly discovered Neolithic hypogeum, Badde de Janas in Sardinia, features a realistic depiction of a double-sloped roof within its main chamber, mirroring the design of domestic structures. This finding challenges assumptions about the scarcity of rectangular dwellings in Neolithic Sardinia and suggests that such representations may instead symbolize cult buildings, akin to the 'Red Temple' at Monte d'Accoddi. The study compares this tomb with nearby S’Incantu, reinforcing its significance as a possible ritual or ceremonial space rather than a direct representation of contemporary housing.
Gli ornamenti su conchiglia della necropoli di Anghelu Ruju (Alghero, SS): aspetti tipologici e tecnologici
A study of the Domus de Janas necropolis at Anghelu Ruju, Sardinia, reveals that seashell ornaments—ranging from simple holed shells to elaborate beads, bracelets, and pendants—were prominent grave goods during the Eneolithic and Early Bronze Age. The research classifies these artifacts based on anthropic modifications and integrates morphological, morphometric, and technological analyses to identify potential chronological and geographical patterns in their use across Sardinia. This approach sheds light on the significance of seashell ornaments as prestige items during this period.
La Tomba Ipogeica di Badde de Janas (Putifigari, Sardegna): una Nuova Domus de Janas con Riproduzione del Tetto
A newly discovered Neolithic hypogeic tomb, the Badde de Janas in Putifigari, Sardinia, features a realistic, red-painted reproduction of a double-sloped roof within its main chamber. This intricate depiction mirrors domestic architecture but is more likely symbolic of cult structures rather than actual dwellings, drawing parallels with other Sardinian sites like the Tomba Dipinta di S’Incantu and Monte d’Accoddi’s 'tempio rosso.' The study challenges assumptions about Neolithic habitation by suggesting these roof representations serve ritualistic purposes, aligning with the region's funerary traditions. Analysis of this tomb provides fresh insights into the cultural significance of domus de janas, offering a window into Neolithic religious practices and architectural symbolism.
Las Domus de Janas Sardas. Proyección de la “Religión” y Proyección de la Estabilidad
A new interpretation of Sardinia's domus de janas, ancient funerary structures, suggests that animal representations and architectural decorations serve a broader social function beyond religious symbolism. These figures likely originated as 'trophies' displayed in homes, reflecting their role in wealth accumulation, production, and social status. The study proposes that while these animals may have been later divinized, their primary purpose was to project stability and justify societal structures through ideological means. This challenges previous assumptions about the religious significance of these depictions.
The Enormous Room
A striking contrast emerges between the Copper Age and Bronze Age architectural traditions of Sardinia, revealing distinct societal shifts. While Bronze Age Sardinia is renowned for its monumental 'Great Houses,' the earlier period's domestic architecture is primarily understood through underground tombs known as domus de janas. These tombs, part of the Ozieri Culture, were intricately decorated and served as realistic replicas of domestic interiors, offering insights into Copper Age living spaces. Radiocarbon dating suggests these structures were contemporary with Western Europe's later megalithic art phases. Notably, most Sardinian domus de janas were square or rectangular, with only a minority designed to mimic roundhouses, reflecting the limited survival of settlements from this period. The study also compares these Mediterranean sites with similar structures in Britain and Ireland, exploring their potential ceremonial significance.
The hypogeal necropolis with domus de janas at Birgusa, Corraile – Thiesi (SS)
The hypogeal necropolis at Birgusa, Corraile (Thiesi, Sardinia) stands out as the largest domus de janas grave complex in its region, featuring eight monumental tombs and a natural cave. These structures, dating back to the 5th–4th millennium BCE during the San Michele Ozieri culture, exhibit architectural consistency with other necropolises in the area while incorporating unique symbolic and monumental elements linked to burial cult practices. The site's strategic location on the Corraile plateau (480 m asl) suggests its significance within a broader settlement context. This study highlights the necropolis's role in understanding Neolithic funerary traditions, burial symbolism, and cultural continuity in central Sardinia.
Nuovi scavi nella necropoli ipogeica di Sa Figu (Ittiri-Sassari): La Tomba IV
New excavations at the Bronze Age necropolis of Sa Figu (Ittiri, Sardinia) reveal that Tomba IV, an architecturally designed hypogeum, mirrors the characteristics of Nuragic 'tombs of the giant,' confirming their shared origin in the Early Middle Bronze Age (Sa Turricula phase). The study also documents reuse during the late Iron Age, shedding light on funerary practices of this period. Additionally, it demonstrates that these hypogeic tombs derive from a tradition of imitating megalithic 'tombs of the giant,' tracing back to Neolithic 'domus de janas' structures.
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