Some of the most notable archaeological finds of the Palethnology collections are those from the Istrian, Karst and Friulian settlements known as “castellieri”, dating back to the period between the Bronze and the Iron Age. These were fortified settlements, encircled by earthwork or stone defences, sometimes with palisades, and in certain instances surrounded by ditches. These six bronze votive statuettes dating back to the second Iron Age (5th century BC) come from the “castelliere” of Redipuglia, near Gorizia. They probably belonged to a shrine at or near the site. They depict both males and females, some with engraved eyes and mouth, shown in the act of offering gifts.
