A small soapstone cup was found in the first circle tomb of the Li Muri necropolis, part of the objects deposited as the deceased’s grave goods (fig. 1). Its open-type shape could be connected with libations related to the funerary ritual.

Fig. 1 - Arzachena, Necropolis of Li Muri, circle 1 (photo by Unicity S.p.A.).

This hand-shaped artefact is one of the most prized finds from the prehistoric cemetery of Li Muri (fig. 2).

Fig. 2 - Arzachena, Necropolis of Li Muri, soapstone vase (from ANTONA 2013).

It is characterised by two "spool" handles and a flat “ring-type” bottom (fig. 3).

Fig. 3 - Detail of the small cup (from LILLIU 1999, fig. 336, p. 340).

This vase can be compared with similar examples found in Crete, and it is therefore hypothesised that it was imported from there.

In the area of Sardinia, a similar handle, but single, is shown in the hemispherical bowl in calcite found in the hypogeum of Bingia Eccia Dolianova (fig. 4).

Fig. 4 - Calcite vase from Dolianova, Bingia Eccia (from LILLIU 1999, fig. 99, p. 84).

The small soapstone cup found in the necropolis of Li Muri is currently kept at the National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari.