Gastiburuko Santutegia (Arratzu) = Santuario de Gastiburu (Arratzu): XIX. Kanpaina = XIX Campaña
- Autores: Luis Valdés
- Localización: Arkeoikuska: Investigación arqueológica, ISSN 0213-8921, Nº. 2002, 2002, págs. 71-73
- Idioma: varios idiomas
- Enlaces
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Resumen
The aim of the 2002 season was to consolidate the architectural structures in lobe E and the ground around its perimeter, on one side. Work also started on the excavation and subsequent recovery of the surface of the small square in front of lobe N. and of part of the walkway between this and Lesser Structure 1. The results have been extremely valuable, both as regards the discovery of new structures and their configuration, and in relation to the information supplied by these structures, which has shed new light on the functions of the different areas.
As regards the recovery and consolidation of lobe E., the process was similar to that used in lobe N. During the process, we tested the hypothesis regarding construction, which in the end was found not to have undergone any modifications. The same cannot be said for the perimeter of the eastern sector, since the floor surfaces appear to be continuous and are linked to the paved area inside the lobe, with no obvious separation or delimitation as we had supposed. The perimeter wall is slightly shorter in this sector than in the western one, with an opening to a side access leading inside, towards the step. In the western sector, this access is located at the front of the square and is flanked by a post marking the end of the perimeter wall.
This description bears a certain resemblance to the discoveries made in lobe N., in the area located underneath the road that ran across the site. In this area, the perimeter wall was also somewhat shorter and contained an access route to the step. The square is unusual in a number of senses.
Firstly, opposite lobe N. there is a paved area with large slaps ending in the shape of an arch, which has yet to be completely uncovered. Between the centre of the square and this paved area, the floor surface is made of soil. In this soil we have found an alignment of blocks oriented to coincide with the end of the perimeter wall. The prolongation of the central line passes the end of the perimeter wall and eventually leads to the top of the Alto de Arrola, the highest point in the oppidum of Marueleza.
Discovery of this alignment and the data regarding the positions in which the sun rose and set during the solstices at the time the Sanctuary was in use (provided by J. Armentia), has enabled us to confirm that the location of the Sanctuary is the result of a long and arduous process of calculation. Its location is closely related to significant points of the surrounding landscape. These points are coincident with key moments of the agricultural year. These data confirm and add new dimensions to our previous interpretation of the Sanctuary as a centre for the expression of the «Power» linked to the Assembly and to augural processes. This in turn provides new arguments in support of the indisputable regional importance of the oppidum of Marueleza and of the structure of power located within.
