Summary (English)
The architecture of the trapezoidal tumulus 68 (8.90 × 6.30 m; h. 0, 60 m) is complex. The interior presented two funerary structures: at the centre a triangular stone cyst containing cremated human bones and pottery fragments; on the south side, abutting the outer wall of the tumulus, a circular structure characterized by the presence of a vase with applied plastic decoration, carbonized wood and other burnt remains.
The entire floor of the tumulus presented traces of ritual activity involving fire and the deliberate smashing of pottery vessels and the scattering of their fragments.
Tumulus 68 differs from the others in its architecture (trapezoidal plan with internal chamber delimited on two sides by rows of large stone blocks) and for the particular triangular structure used for the deposition of the cremated bones, probably of more than one individual.
The importance of this find lies not only in its typology and the variety of ritual activities attested, but also in the fact that it provides confirmation that the entire area was occupied by a necropolis of tumuli, the only one known to date for the Eneolithic period in southern Italy.
- Elettra Ingravallo - Università del Salento, Dipartimento di Beni Culturali, Laboratorio di Paletnologia  
Director
Team
- Giorgia Aprile - Università del Salento, Dipartimento Beni Culturali
- Ida Tiberi - Università del Salento, Dipartimento Beni Culturali
Research Body
- Dipartimento di Beni Culturali – Università del Salento
Funding Body
- Dipartimento di Beni Culturali – Università del Salento