THE ENIGMATIC WARRIOR OF CAPESTRANO

The Abruzzo Region has changed its official crest to include a stylized image of the prehistoric sculpture known as the Capestrano Warrior, designed by the celebrated contemporary artist Mimmo Paladino.

The 2m-tall statue, carved out of a single limestone block, has been dated to the VI century BC, and identified with the Vestini, an ancient Italic people who once lived in the area stretching from the mountains of Gran Sasso to the Adriatic coast.

The sculpture was discovered by chance in 1934 in an ancient burial site near the town of Capestrano, and has intrigued archeologists and scientists ever since. An inscription on the base, which was only fully interpreted in 1986 after years of study by noted archaeologist and Etruscologist Adriano La Regina as “Aninis made this fine image for King Nevio Pompulledius” has also provided the key to understanding other inscriptions found in this hitherto unknown language.

The warrior is a unique and impressive work of art, representing a noble chieftain, armed for battle, holding a sword and a small-headed axe in arms crossed over the breast, with a mask over its face and a unique wide-brimmed hat on its head. Recent restoration has revealed traces of red colouring and bronze, suggesting that it once had metal shin guards and breast plate. The face was covered by a mask that was originally painted white.

The warrior intrigues some researchers for other reasons, thanks to certain anatomical anomalies. While the upper torso is flat and conforms to the male form, the lower part of the trunk tapers into a slim waist above generously curving hips and typically feminine buttocks. Did the statue actually represent a Warrior Queen? Another theory suggests it was a mythical figure of a divinity representing both sexes.

The Warrior of Capestrano is part of the collection of the National Archeological Museum of Abruzzo at Chieti.

M. STENHOUSE

Info: Tel. +39.0871.331666      www.museiabruzzo.cultura.gov.it      https://cultura.gov.it