Numerous artefacts belonging to this class of materials were found during excavations in the Nuraghe of Monte Idda.

All the olla have a globular shape and can be divided into four groups according to the type of rim: this can be rounded or tapered (fig. 1). In the first case, there is evidence of cord-marked enlarged rims which, in some cases, form a small groove where they are attached to the neck; in other cases their profile can be angular, such as to form a small brim. It is assumed that the vessels with this type of rim could be suitable for containing liquids. Globular vases are also part of the olla group; they have a distinct neck, very thin walls and excised external surfaces; these have very uniform traits, except for the neck, which is the only element which differentiates them within the group. Olla with an internal fillet to support the lid and, in some cases, with ventilation holes, are however poorly documented. Many olla have strap-shaped handles, a large and uneven opening and a thickness capable of supporting heavy weights; sometimes instead of the handles they have grips, which in some cases are often just an enlargement of the wall (fig. 2). The decorative elements of this class of materials are leaf-shaped patterns excised on the outside or sculptural applications arranged in a mesh (fig. 3).

Fig. 1 - Several profiles of olla rims (from FADDA 1984, table 8).

Fig. 2 - Sculptural decorations on olla (from FADDA 1984, table 10).

Fig. 3 - Globular olla from Casa Zapata, Barumini (from http://www.sardegnadigitallibrary.it/index.php?xsl=615&s=17&v=9&c=4461&id=75953).