How does Sarcophagus of the Spouses elucidate its Family?
Another aspect that the Etruscans were known for is their family ties. Since they made such elaborate tombs for their deceased loved ones, and the sarcophagus is based on a couple, it can be seen that family ties were important in their society. The use of funerary urns and how they were created, such as the spouses, along with the materials, the scale of their urn or sarcophagus, if they add imagery, or how they create the dynamic of their people can show social ties. There could be inscriptions as well, such as family or clan names either located on the outside of the tomb or with their belongings. Another family value that has been touched on earlier in the banquets, which can be seen from the fresco and with the addition with the sarcophagus shows an eternal family dinner.There are other types of sarcophagi that have a family meaning to them such as the rock-carved funerary beds that have been found at Banditaccia, where the Spouses were found. These specific sarcophagi would have identifying features to show who was male and female buried in them. These rock-carved sarcophagi are in the shape of a bed, and if it was placed on the left side of a tomb it was meant for a male and on the right, it was meant for a female. The male sarcophagus was carved to resemble a wooden bed, with the ends laying flat and the legs, if any, were carved in cylinders. That of the females would have the same features as the male, yet they would be enclosed in a house-like structure, with the ends of the bed raised in a triangular shape to resemble roofing. There have also been smaller sarcophagi found near where the women would be buried that have been presumed to be for children. They would indicate the number and gender of people on the outside of the tomb.
urn left Etruscan sarcophagus sarcophagi Etruscans Banditaccia fresco