Neolithic and first
Copper Age
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Few single spirals (10)
have been found only on the Rupe Magna. They are the
most effaced, and superimposed by anthropomorphic figures.
Here we can see (sector F) a spiral (more ancient)
surrounded by Iron Age cup-marks. Also in other Alpine
sites spirals seems to be one of the most ancient signs,
being superimposed by schematic antropomorphic figures.
Their meaning remains unknown. In Europe we can find
many engraved spirals in megalithic art (Irish passage
graves, Neolithic) and Sardinian
"Domus de Janas" (Neolithic-Copper Age). On the
contrary labyrinths and meanders (also present on Rupe
Magna) must be placed in a later phase (Bronze Age - Iron
Age) |
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Another sign
that we can only relate to megalithic art is
the one which you can see on the left (sector AL):
concentric half-circles also called "collar-like".
In Brittany we can find them, obsessingly engraved,
in Gavrinis tumulus, in Ireland at Loughcrew, in Spain
at Collado de Sejos. We can find them (but upside down)
also in the Chalcolithic stelae of Valtellina (Caven
3 and Cornal) and Valcamonica. On the Rupe Magna (only
6) they are not effaced and seem "fresh":
but we must consider that they were engraved on a vertical
surface and always covered by moss. They are also accompanied
by a "cross-like" figure, another element
which well complies in a megalithic environment. |
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These engraved
figures were found by the De Piazzi in 1975 on the
open-air rocks of Caven (Teglio), not far from the
site of chalcolithic stelae. The rock is situated in
a very open and panoramic site, looking down to the
bottom of the valley, which shows roads and cultivated
fields. We can easily imagine that these figures could
represent cultivated fields or settlements, being one
of the most ancient topographic maps. In Valcamonica
these kinds of figures are superimposed by Copper Age
ones: so they belong to the first phase of engraving
activity (last Neolithic - first Copper Age). |
- Home
- Neolithic and first
Copper Age
- Copper Age
- Bronze Age
- Iron Age
- Rupe Magna, the largest
engraved rock in the Alps
- Rupe Magna, chrono-thematic
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Rock Art in the Alps - Rock Art in Valtellina
