The Archaeology of the Mediterranean Iron Age by Hodos Tamar

Author:Hodos, Tamar
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 2020-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

5.10 Circular structure at Sabucina. Sixth century BCE.

From Hodos 2006, figure 3.20. Reproduced with permission. Drawing by Sue Grice.

Even more interesting are the temple models from Sabucina, one of which came from the area of the circular shrine.116 Unlike the real structure, the model is of a rectangular temple more frequently associated with Greek and Greek colonial examples. Its façade has a portico supported by two columns, typical of a Greek pronaos. The pediment contains two sculptural representations, of Selinous and a gorgon, and equestrian sculptures stride the apex of the roof, itself barrel-shaped and with painted tiles. Such representations are known from other regions of Sicily (and Italy) in areas with extensive Greek influence; these elements may reflect inspiration from or imitation of Greek marble and terracotta architectural revetments.117

In a domestic area of Sabucina, tucked between a house and the city wall, another model temple was found in association with a small shrine. This one is in the form of a pitched structure decorated with animal protomes, in recollection of more traditional buildings. Other objects found include an incense burner, offering cups, bronze jewellery, a ram figurine, and a number of Demeter statuettes.118 This assemblage raises interesting questions about who was practising what in this context. Some have argued that the Demeter statuettes indicate Demeter worship, an interpretation based upon an assumption that that the synergy between Demeter’s chthonic nature and the agro-pastoral form of traditional religious practice in Sicily facilitated the widespread adoption of Demeter cults in contexts beyond Greek ones.119 While synergy between Demeter and other chthonic cults is no doubt true, the rate, date and practice of Demeter-derived worship by Sicilian communities is less apparent.120 This Sabucina example highlights the difficulty. The findspot is one small area within the settlement hidden away within a residential quarter, and Demeter figurines have not been found elsewhere at Sabucina. Furthermore, the associated artefacts, notably the ram figurine and the pitched temple model, had very active contemporary associations with traditional cult rituals and spaces.121 It is not clear if those using this shrine were worshipping Demeter in a manner heavily influenced by local religious traditions or, more likely, a local deity for whom Demeter’s attributes and physical form had been reinterpreted and reassigned in practice.122

Individual, large circular buildings that served a communal function have been found at a number of Iron Age sites on Sardinia, as well, such as at the nuraghe settlements of Palmavera and Su Nuraxi; the sanctuaries of St. Anastasia near Sardara, St. Cristina near Paulilatino, and St. Vittoria near Serri; and possibly several other sites.123 The presence of a small altar with a model nuraghe in the centre of the Palmavera structure suggests the building served a religious function for the community, perhaps in addition to a civic one. The Palmavera structure is also notable for having twice the internal diameter than other buildings in the settlement.124 These are interpreted as evidence of a nucleated centre at each site with a rising aristocracy that sought to expand its sphere of influence.

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