THE ALISEDA HOARD (CÁCERES): A RE-READING

Abstract

In the century since its discovery, the Aliseda Hoard has been a continuous reference in the development of peninsular protohistory as a discipline. Studies on these iconic orientalizing jewels have tackled issues related to their technology, style, origin, composition, chronology..., as well as other aspects connected to their socio-cultural and symbolic features. These questions are undoubtedly es- sential in order to carry out their historical appraisal, but unfortunately they are weighed down by their unexplained context which, from 1920 until today, has been variously related either to a tomb, a hiding place, a sanctuary and/or community treasure. From the combined analysis of the documentation re- covered from different archives and the archaeological record obtained in Las Cortinas, adjacent to the Ejido site where the hoard appeared, we propose a re-reading of its context, use and meaning.