Detailed sheets

The stones shelves: function and morphology

The end part of the main tower of Su Nuraxi has a terrace supported by large corbels, also made from stone (figs. 1, 2, 3, 4).

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Fig. 1 - Three-dimensional representation of the terrace system on the Su Nuraxi keep (From Cappai 2012, fig. 4, p. 35).
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Figs. 2, 3 - Archaeological area of Su Nuraxi, corbels and ashlars arranged according to Lilliu’s reconstruction hypothesis (photo by Unicity S.p.A.).
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Fig. 4 - Arrangement of corbels and wedge-shaped ashlars according to Lilliu’s reconstructive hypothesis (From Cappai 2012, fig. 7, p. 38).

This terrace, presumable made of wood, that jutted out over the edge of the tower, was the weakest structural element, therefore it has not been preserved and it is possible to reconstruct it through stone or bronze Nuraghe models. In fact, for example, the stone model of hut 80 in Su Nuraxi in Barumini shows the alleged domed sentry box on top of the central tower, sheltered from the last steps of the staircase leading to the terrace (fig. 5).

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Fig. 5 - Arrangement of corbels and wedge-shaped ashlars according to Lilliu’s reconstructive hypothesis (From Cappai 2012, fig. 7, p. 38).

Bibliografia

  • CAMPUS F., LEONELLI V., (a cura di), Simbolo di un simbolo. I modelli di nuraghe, Monteriggioni 2012.
  • CAPPAI S.N., Gli elevati nelle torri nuragiche, in CAMPUS F., LEONELLI V., (a cura di), Simbolo di un simbolo. I modelli di nuraghe, Monteriggioni 2012, pp. 31-43.
  • LILLIU G., Il nuraghe di Barumini e la stratigrafia nuragica, in Studi Sardi, XII-XIII (1952-1954), Sassari 1955, pp. 90-469.

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