Type: funerary art
Period: IV century B.C. to IV century A.C.
Location: Aranyó (Catalonia)
Geotag: https://goo.gl/maps/bgPdTvE7rSR2 (41.703808,1.223380)
Columbariums are contructions usually dating from the Roman period where cinerary urns holding cremated remains were respectfully held. The term comes from the old Lating columba (dove) as columbariums are shaped like pigeons and doves special housings.
The niches are excavated directly into the rock, with a small indentation on the rims to place a cover. Their size is aproximately 50x50x60cm. Some antropomorphic tombs are also found carved on top and are dated from the medieval epoch.
Some studies (Catalunya Romànica 2004, p. 440) dispute the Roman period interpretation, arguing that the construction was actually a medieval honey harvesting site.
Unfortunately, the site is currently unprotected, being exposed to wildlife plants, exposure to the elements and vandalism.
Comments