Neolithic necropolis under threat in Sardinia

StonePages ^ | Saturday, October 30, 2010 | unattributed

[SunkenCiv]

Based on a recent site visit by an international team of specialists, including rock-art expert George Nash from the Dept.of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, and conservation archaeologist Jayne Pilkington, it was clear that certain basic protocols enshrined into the Valetta Convention have been violated by Italian authorities. Furthermore, nothing had been considered for the long-term conservation of this and other nearby Neolithic burial-ritual sites, including Tomb No.3 (Tomb of the Spirals) at the Necropolis of Sa Pala Larga which was in an advanced state of deterioration.

In addition to in-filling the entrance of the main tomb, the Italian heritage authorities have also covered most of the outside surface of the tomb area with a concrete skin, further destroying the potential external context of the site. According to officials, this act of conservation was undertaken in order to protect the tomb from looters and vandalism. However, in contradiction a report on the Sa Pala Larga group published in 1997 claimed that the project formed a wider policy of promoting cultural heritage.

[SunkenCiv]

• Unlocking a Dilemma: Long-Term Management Issues at Sa Pala Larga, Sardinia [pdf]
• The sealed wonders of Sardinia [April 2010]
• Sardinian scientists believe they've traced the roots of
  the 'death-defying' sardonic grin to a plant
  commonly found on the Italian island [2009]

[SunkenCiv]

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[dr_who]

I wouldn’t worry about it too much, seeing as how they’re already dead.

[Nam Vet]

Bumpo

Nam Vet

[Cacique]

Part of my heritage. My mother’s native Island and the last descendants of Carthage. Ironic since they founded modern Italy. I suspect that Antonio Gramsci was still neolithic when he died.