The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology invites you to a talk by UCLA Cotsen Institute of Archaeology Press author Camilla Norman on the statue-stelae of Daunia in northern Apulia, Italy. These are unique artifacts with complex and rich imagery, created by a society that remains largely enigmatic. These stelae, though depicting an agrarian and seemingly egalitarian culture, feature elaborate clothing and ritual scenes that suggest a more intricate social structure. Situated between the Samnites, Etruscans, Illyrians, and Greek colonies, the Daunians were influenced by, yet distinct from, their neighbors. This presentation explores a decades-long scholarly effort to understand the stelae, emphasizing indigenous perspectives and the significant role of women in Daunian society. Rejecting a Hellenic interpretation, the study situates the stelae within their Italo-Adriatic context. It employs post-colonial and gender archaeology to offer fresh insights into the cultural identity and agency of this ancient community.

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