Arthall in Gozo is inviting the public to join them for an illuminating exploration into the ancient funerary practices of prehistoric Malta, with Dr. Dawn Adrienne-Saliba.

They will examine intriguing parallels and contrasts between the Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni and the Xaghra Circle.

These two monumental sites offer invaluable insights into the Temple Period’s rituals and belief systems, each complementing the other’s missing information:

While the Hypogeum boasts intact architecture with scant documentation of human remains, the Xaghra Circle compensates with meticulously recorded burials and artefacts, despite the destruction of its caves.

The discussion will cover evidence of ritual disarticulation, ochre-staining of bones, the presence of animal remains, and the significance of statuettes and offering dishes, suggesting complex ritual- practices.

Additionally, the proto-theatrical architecture of both sites will be explored, highlighting how the physical spaces necessitated embodied movement and liminal interaction, as visitors navigated around and over the remains of the deceased.

Arthall said that this lecture promises to shed light on the ritualistic mysteries of Malta’s prehistoric past.

Dr. Dawn Adrienne-Saliba is doing post-doctoral work in Archaeology at the University of Malta, where she is concentrating on ritual performance and proto-theatricality at the Hypogeum of ?al Saflieni.

She is the co-founder of MALTA-ARCH, a collective centred upon advocating for the preservation of Malta’s natural, archaeological, and cultural heritage. Hailing from New York City, she is also a Maltese-American playwright.

The date to keep free is Friday, the 13th of September, starting at 7pm. The venue is Arthall: 8, triq Agius de Soldanis, Victoria, Gozo.

Photo: Arthall

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