In the context of Sarcophagus of the Spouses, discuss the Rituals of the Historical context.
The funerary rituals that the Etruscans created ranged from a simple hut and small gathering to those a more elaborate space for loved ones such as a tomb or other funerary art or having mosaics and relief sculptures. One such tomb can be found in the Monterozzi necropolis of Tarquinia, Italy, which is known for its painted walls that inform us what they did for their funerals and society. This subterranean rock-cut tomb was used for holding the remains of the dead as well as for votive offerings for the ones who have died. There is a fresco painting on the back wall, which, even though damaged, shows a banquet dinner party, with people being depicted in similar positions as that depicted in the Sarcophagus of the Spouses. There are three pairs of couples shown enjoying a dinner party and lounging on klines. In Etruscan banquets, it was a common practice to have both men and woman, who had equal status in their society, share this event with each other as it is represented here in the fresco; they are side-by-side and shown in the same proportions and in similar poses. Both parties are smiling and expressing affection toward one another. The fresco relief, which has the same setting as the Spouses, can show that they have a positive outlook on sending their loved ones to the afterlife since they are sharing their last meals with their family members for all eternity. This is also shown through the Etruscans burying parts of the meal with them along with the proper dishes and utensils so they would have that in the afterlife.
The tomb fresco from Monterozzi shows how the couples have bright colorful clothes, which could be compared to the paint that was on the sarcophagus. These bright colors show them as elites. They also have two attendants serving the banqueters, and on the sides of the tomb paintings showcase what entertainment the Etruscans would have participated in; for example, musicians are playing and people dancing. Similar to the Greeks they show what gender is being portrayed by what paint they used for their skin, light colors for females, and dark colors for males. From the fresco of Monterozzi, it can be determined that the Sarcophagus of Spouses depicts a normal occurrence. There is a Banquet Plaque that was found at Poggio Civitate, Murlo, that also has similar iconography of the banquets that the Etruscans held, so another piece that shows these banquets were an important form of ritual for them.
Sarcophagus Tarquinia Monterozzi Etruscan sarcophagus Monterozzi necropolis votive Poggio Civitate Etruscans necropolis fresco