A major exhibition of rare Etruscan antiquities is running till the 15 July 2012 at the newly restored Palazzo Mazzetti in Asti (Piedmont). 300 objects, many of which on show to the public for the first time, trace the story of daily life and customs of these ancient inhabitants of central Italy, whose influence extended as far north as the River Tanaro.

One of the most interesting items on display, in fact, documents the early contacts of the Etruscans with the indigenous community of the Tanaro Valley at Asti. This is a finely crafted bronze crested  helmet, recovered from the river bed in 1875 by sand excavators. It is thought to have been a gift presented to a local chief by an Etruscan leader who wished to establish trade links. The piece is unique because it dates from the VIII century BC and is believed to be an original made in Etruria.

The Etruscans created the first great empire in Italy, explained Alessandro Mandolesi, exhibition curator together with Maurizio Sannibale.Their dominance was cultural and commercial. We've linked this aspect to the Savoys, the first kings of united Italy, with the reconstruction of the Gabinetto Etrusco created for Carlo Alberto in the Castle of Racconigi at Turin.

Many of the objects come from the Vatican Museum collection, such as the splendid bronze visor worn by an archaic warrior, decorated vases, serving dishes and sculptures. Other contributing museums include the Museum of Archaeology and Art of the Maremma of Grosseto, the Civic Archaeological Museum Isidoro Falchi, Vetulonia, the Castle of Racconigi, the Civic Museum of Asti, the Archiginnasio Library of Bologna and the Royal Library of Turin.  

We were looking for a new slant to arouse the public's interest, explained Sannibale. It's impossible for us to imagine daily life in prehistoric times, so we've tried to tell a story through the objects on show.

The exhibition is entitled Etruschi. L'ideale eroico e il vino lucente and explores the relationship of the Etruscans with the shining wine, which they used in various rituals, believing that wine had mystical qualities, a theme that is particularly appropriate for Asti, home of the famous Asti Spumante sparkling wine. A section deals with the banqueting ceremony, brought vividly to life with the reconstruction of the actual V century BC Tomb of the Black Sow from Tarquinia, with its eloquent wall paintings of feasting and jollity.

The exposition concludes ends with a visit to the sumptuous Gabinetto Etrusco from the castle of Racconigi, decorated in the Etruscan style by 19 th century artist Pelagio Palagi.

The occasion also marks the official day but of the 17-18 th century Palazzo Mazzetti, recently restored by the Asti Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio bank to its former splendour.

Foto copyright Musei Vaticani

For information: Etruschi L'Ideale Eroico e il Vino Lucente 

Tel.(0039)199.75.75.17  www.etruschiadasti.it   www.palazzomazzetti.it