Eighty ivory pieces from the Comeana princely tumulus join the Archaeological Museum of Carmignano c

Eighty ivory objects added to the Archaeological Museum of Carmignano

Eighty ivory items recovered from the princely burial of Montefortini in Comeana have entered the permanent collection of the "Francesco Nicosia" Archaeological Museum in Artimino (Carmignano).

Following a careful restoration presented in June 2024, the objects will be on public display starting the afternoon of Friday, March 13 at 5:30 PM. The opening will be attended by Mayor Edoardo Prestanti and the superintendent for archaeology, fine arts and landscape for the Metropolitan City of Florence and the province of Prato, Antonella Ranaldi.

Historical and artistic significance

The ivory pieces stand out for the abundance of the raw material, high workmanship quality and varied iconography, attributed to skilled craftsmen serving Etruscan courts. The museum director, Maria Chiara Bettini, describes them as "small and great masterpieces," highlighting the conservational work that made their display possible.

Restoration project: facts and figures

• Scientific coordination: archaeologist Massimo Tarantini (Superintendency).
• Restorers: Laura Benucci and Agnese La Torrata (Atlante company, Grosseto).
• Intervention: reassembly of roughly 10,000 fragments using specialized conservation techniques.
• Support: funding from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture and the Tuscany Region.

Project context and related events

The enlargement of the museum's permanent collection is part of the "Etruschi 85-25 Project", promoted by the Tuscany Region together with the Association of Tuscan Archaeological Museums (AMAT), which will conclude with a major exhibition in 2029 on the Etruscan civilization.

To accompany the acquisition, Archeofilm, the first archaeological film festival produced in collaboration with the National Museum of Cinema in Turin, opens on March 12 at 9:00 PM at the Artimino Multipurpose Educational Centre with a selection of early short films.

Practical information

• Where: "Francesco Nicosia" Archaeological Museum, Artimino (Carmignano).
• Visits: the objects are part of the permanent collection and can be viewed according to museum opening hours; display available from March 13 at 5:30 PM.
• More information: contact the museum or Carmignano cultural offices for details and visiting arrangements.