The excavation of the pastoral site of Sella Brignola (FB018), in the territory of Magliano Alpi (CN) is part of the EthWAL research project, financed by the European Union, that studies the historical pastoral landscapes of the western Alps. The structure in question is a double, dry-stone built hut situated at 1946 m a.s.l. and used by local shepherds as a seasonal residence and as a structure for cheese making. There is no historical evidence for the origins of this site; however, it was in use until 2013 when the village of Magliano Alpi provided a modern refuge for these alpine pastures. Three trenches were excavated inside the hut. The first (S1), c. 2 × 0.5 m, cut across the central part of the building from the south-east wall to the north-western one.

The stratigraphy showed the hut floor had been remade several times. The second trench (S2), 1 × 0.5 m, parallel to the south-east wall starting from the first trench and running to the eastern corner, intercepted part of the hearth area. Five different phases were documented, corresponding with five overlying hearths. They were all structured, and presented a level of charcoal overlying a layer that was reddened by the heat. Stone slabs, probably used as cooking surfaces, were found within the second layer. Charcoal samples were taken from each hearth and the radiocarbon dating has shown that the earliest hearth was in use during a period between 1465 and 1645. As this stratigraphic context was extremely reliable, it can be said that the hut in question was in use during the 16th or first half of the 17th century. The other hearths produced dates varying between the second half of the 17th century and the 20th century, but due to the complex calibration curve, it was not possible to determine the exact chronology. The third trench (S3), 1 × 1 m, was excavated in the area behind the hut. This revealed a probable posthole a short distance from the post that actually supports the hut roof. No elements were found that could date the posthole.

Almost all the objects found during the excavations were of contemporary date; the only antique finds (a nail and a possible button) came from the hearth. This is probably due to the cleaning of the floor inside the hut, which according to ethnographic evidence took place every 4-5 years. It is likely that most of the archaeological materials were secondary deposition outside the hut.