Exhibition ‘Cults in the Prehistory of the Alps’ at Riva Museum
The exhibition titled “Cults in the Prehistory of the Alps” has recently opened at the Museo civico della Rocca di Riva. It features a collection of artifacts and documentation, enriched by finds from Alto Garda, along the Alpine arc. About 500 artifacts are on display, coming from eighteen museums in Austria, Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Italy.
The Riva edition of the exhibition (previously held in Bolzano last year) has been expanded to highlight further Trentino evidence (50 additional artifacts), especially local ones: from the exceptional discoveries of Stele statues from Arco to finds from San Martino. “Cults in the Prehistory of the Alps” offers an ideal journey exploring the ideological, religious, and cultural aspects of populations from the late Bronze Age (12th-11th century BC) to Romanization (first century BC).
The context and features of the exhibition
The traveling exhibition, now in its eighth edition and last year showcased in Bolzano, did not, however, achieve overwhelming success. “It is a difficult exhibition to understand, technical and sector-specific,” explains Umberto Tecchiati, director of the Museo archeologico di Bolzano. “But it is no less important than the others.” It could not be hosted at the Archaeological Museum, which somewhat limited its reach. I believe that the Rocca di Riva del Garda is a suitable venue for exhibiting these artifacts, and it will likely attract greater interest, especially with the organized activities.
Important objects with an almost suggestive charm include votive items, images, and reconstructions of cult sites, along with a few Luric and Venetian inscriptions. These represent “the keys” through which archaeology attempts to penetrate the immaterial sphere of men and women’s lives—those who left no written memory of themselves or their worldview regarding the earthly and heavenly realms.
Thus, the exhibition outlines the main formal characteristics of worship, such as the votive sites associated with mountain peaks, dedicated to deities but also taking on social significance, serving as points of reference.
Initiated by the Ufficio Beni Archeologici della Provincia autonoma di Trento, the exhibition has been enriched with scientific materials and data related to Trentino. Throughout its duration (both inside the museum and across the provincial territory), it will be complemented by numerous activities related to the theme.
Related activities and duration
“Cults in the Prehistory of the Alps is accessible to a wide audience,” emphasizes Paolo Bellintani, who curated the exhibition in Riva. “Several activities have been organized around it, targeting both children and youth (summer workshops and educational courses) and adults.” These include lectures, guided tours of the archaeological site, as well as excavation and research campaigns at Monte San Martino. This initiative thus adopts a didactic aspect.
The exhibition will remain open until November 30, with the following hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9:30 am – 6:30 pm; Sunday 9:30 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 5:30 pm. Closed on Mondays.