Anthropomorphic discovers in Baunei

In the upland of Golgo, in Baunei, some original anthropomorphic paintings made in oxide and ochre on a rock wall have been discovered by Mr Nanni Mereu. Three anthropomorphs are well preserved and clearly legible, rendered in a schematic and linear manner. A thick, straight line draws limbs and head in the shape of a trident with rounded corners. The limbs are turned downwards, the head is semi-elliptical, not distinct from the neck.

Comparisons can be made with the inverted heads known mainly from funerary sites, although in the representations identified they are depicted straight and with peculiarities that emphasise aspects that are new compared to what has been known so far. On the surface, other marks made in a more pronounced red shade can be seen, but they are less readable, also due to the natural deposit of an oxide that has partly covered the drawings, contributing to their authenticity.
It seems possible to identify a further anthropomorphic figure with its arms pointing upwards, according to the pattern of the praying person most commonly known in Sardinia.
In order to correctly interpret these depictions, it is necessary to investigate the context in which they were found, also in relation to the original conformation of the rock wall in which they are painted, as their current form is the result of significant erosion and detachment phenomena.

Further physical-chemical investigations are planned in order to identify the material of the paintings, while a cleaning operation is being scheduled in order to correctly identify the depictions.

Gianfranca Salis, Archaeological Superintendence of Sardinia