The Altar and the Tumulus: Ritual and Visuality at Grotta Porcina
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54103/2037-4488/30294Keywords:
Funerary architecture, Miniaturization, Rituality, Visuality, Etruscan altarsAbstract
This paper studies the two main monuments of the Grotta Porcina necropolis (Vetralla, VT): a monumental tumulus and a circular base, the latter interpreted as a scaled-down replica of the former. The aim is to clarify the role and function of this architectural miniaturization within the context of funerary cult practices. The analysis, supported by comparisons with Ceretan and Tarquinian models, shows that the reduction in scale enhanced visual control over ritual actions and enabled more direct participation by members of the community, without diminishing the symbolic value of the structure.
L’articolo analizza i due principali monumenti della necropoli di Grotta Porcina (Vetralla, VT): un tumulo monumentale e un basamento circolare, quest'ultimo interpretato come una replica in scala del primo. Obiettivo della ricerca è chiarire ruolo e funzione di questa miniaturizzazione architettonica nel contesto del culto funerario. L’analisi, basata su confronti con modelli ceretani e tarquiniesi, mostra che la riduzione di scala consentiva un controllo visivo più efficace dei rituali e una partecipazione più diretta dei membri della comunità, senza alterare il valore simbolico della struttura.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Antonio Paolo Pernigotti
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