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Explore the charm of ancient Sardegna through the figure of the Itifallic flute player from Ittiri, an 8 cm statuette depicting a flute player, or Aulete, presumably used as a votive offering in a temple.
This work of art, reflecting both Barbaricino and Mediterranean influences, is characterised by intricate anatomical details, including well-defined legs and a torso harmoniously connected to the head, which is covered by a spherical cap.
The player’s face features deep eye sockets and a wide mouth intent on blowing into a three-reed flute similar to the launeddas, a traditional Sardinian instrument. The statuette reveals the player’s role in the religious and folkloric ceremonies of southern Sardegna. Particularly noteworthy are the anatomical details such as the breasts and the male genitalia, symbols of fertility and sacred eroticism in the ancient Nuragic religion. This sacred eroticism was heightened by the sound of the flute and the rhythm of the dances, performed to win the favour of the gods who bestowed abundant harvests, livestock and offspring.
Discovered near the ‘Sa Figu’ necropolis by the church of San Maurizio in Ittiri (SS), this small bronze figurine is now carefully preserved in
the Archaeological Museum of Cagliari
.
The original base was probably made of a perishable material, revealing its history of use and reuse or of being recast with other bronze statuettes.
The three-pipe instrument depicted is reminiscent of the launeddas, a traditional instrument of Sardegna, still played by musicians on the island.
The launeddas are played using the circular breathing technique, which allows a continuous sound to be produced without interruption. The same technique is used by Australian Aborigines to play the didgeridoo!
It seems incredible, but this Nuragic work was censored during the Fascist period, with the male genitalia removed from a photograph.
Today, the statuette continues to be a subject of study and admiration for its historical and artistic significance.
Photo credits: National Archaeological Museum of Cagliari
Explore the culture and nature of Northern Sardinia: places to discover, local dishes, traditions and stories from the region.
‘Domus de Janas’ is a Sardinian expression meaning ‘house of the fairies’. Legends tell of beings that are not particularly spiritual – demons, somewhere between human and divine.
Sardegna has a wine-making tradition stretching back thousands of years; the earliest evidence of wine-making dates as far back as 1400 BC.
There is a story linked to the island of Tavolara which tells that King Carlo Alberto of Savoy appointed his only son as king of the island.
The Ludurru necropolis is situated in Buddusò, and the domus de janas date back to 3200–2800 BC, famous examples of the Sardegna Neolithic period
The Neptune Caves are spectacular caves dating back to prehistoric times. They are located at Alghero, in Northern Sardinia
The Church of St Francis in Alghero is one of the finest examples of Catalan Gothic architecture in Sardegna
