Reg.Nr. HA-2015/IT/31

Nuragic Sculptures of Monte Prama in Sardinia

In the 1970s, 5178 stone fragments, equivalent to 9140 kgs, dating back to the XI-VIII cent. BC were excavated by the Archaeological Superintendence of Cagliari (Sardinia) in Monte Prama, Cabras, Oristano. The fragments typology, their dating, the quantity (25 standing figures, ...
Read more

Project details

Title:Nuragic Sculptures of Monte Prama in Sardinia
Entr. year: 2015
Result:Award
Country: Italy
Town: Monte Prama near Cabras, Oristano (Sardinia)
Category type: archaeology/sub-marine archaeology
Notes:-Typology: Restoration of ancient artworks -Entrant organisation: CCA, Centro di Conservazione Archeologica di Roma -Public Choice Award 2015
Building type/ Project type: See notes
Architect / Proj.leader: CCA, Centro di Conservazione Archeologica di Roma
The Jury's citation: "The Jury were intrigued by the complexity of this restoration project, and impressed by its significance in developing our understanding of this under-appreciated culture. The jigsaw puzzle of reassembling the pieces, without any deep penetration of the original stone, and avoiding the use of drills or insertion of different materials, allows for the possibility of modifications and additions in the future on the images of the statues. All the restoration operations have been realized openly, with the opportunity for the public to visit the on-going works. The importance for the local population is clear, and enhances their identity with people who have preceded them on this big island."
GPS:39°96'37" N; 8°45'30" E
Web, Links:

www.ccaroma.org

Description:
In the 1970s, 5178 stone fragments, equivalent to 9140 kgs, dating back to the XI-VIII cent. BC were excavated by the Archaeological Superintendence of Cagliari (Sardinia) in Monte Prama, Cabras, Oristano. The fragments typology, their dating, the quantity (25 standing figures, 13 models) and dimensions (2 meters in height, 300 Kg in weight) are probably the oldest "tutto tondo" sculptures in the whole western Mediterranean region. Between 2007 and 2011 the Centro di Conservazione Archeologica of Rome, carried out a project called "The Conservation of the Nuragic Sculpures of Monteprama" with the objective of putting in display the sculptures in the museums of Cagliari and Cabras. Out of the 5178 fragments, 1202 were reassembled in 5 archers, 4 warriors, 16 boxers and 13 nuraghe models. The project was a multidisciplinary effort aiming to bring together conservation, museology, public engagement, community involvement and communication on a regional, national and international level.