Oltre la sepoltura. Testimonianze rituali ed evidenze sociali dalla superficie d’uso della necropoli della Terramara di Casinalbo (MO

The study of Casinalbo necropolis (Modena), the largest Terramare burial site (about 670 tombs exvated), revealed unknown types of funerary rituals. The necropolis was in use from 1500 to 1150 BC and it is characterized by the exclusive use of cremation. The majority of the graves are urns without any content except for the cremated bones of the deceased. A few ornaments have been found in some female or subadult graves. Weapons are absent from male graves which are also lacking of any funerary offerings (Ma non c’era qualche rasoio?). Detailed analysis of the items found on the upper surface of the necropolis has led to the identification of areas of concentration of bronze objects (weapons and ornaments) and pottery drinking vessels which suggest that rituals were performed after the cremation ceremony. The objects were crushed and placed in a specific order. Some weapons, especially swords, were placed around the centre of the ritual area, while ornaments and other weapons (daggers) were placed toward the periphery. This pattern stands for the non egalitaran character of Terramare’s burial sites, pointing out social distinctions based on rank where individuals armed with swords held the highest social positions, similarly to coeval Olmo di Nogara necropolis (Verona), where conversely the sword was placed inside the burial