Exciting archaeological fieldwork has been taking place in southern Spain over the past few years, co-directed by a Durham University archaeologist. Together with Spanish scholars, our Department's Dr Marta Díaz-Guardamino has been studying the more-than 3000-year-old site of Las Capellanías in the Huelva province.
In 2018, a decorated stela (an upright stone slab, inscribed or carved, used as a monument) was discovered, sparking a series of fieldwork initiatives at this site. This research aims to uncover the function and significance of these ancient monuments and the communities that created them.
Durham University students joined the fieldwork in June 2022 and September 2023. This led to the discovery of an impressive funerary complex and two new stelae (stelae #2 and #3), found in their original context (see featured photo above). These extraordinary finds mark the first time in Iberian prehistory that two decorated stelae of this kind - out of more than 140 known examples - were discovered during archaeological excavations at the same site.
This breakthrough provides invaluable information and samples to answer various research questions. We now understand that some of these stelae were used in funerary settings to mark the burial of selected individuals. The burials contained cremated remains. These remains are currently under study, with results expected soon.
Excavating a burial
Fieldwork at Las Capellanías has been significant, not only academically and archaeologically, but also socially. The nearby village of Cañaveral de León takes immense pride in this unique heritage, which has made headlines in regional and national press. Some community members joined us when we lifted stela #2 at night, creating a memorable moment.
Lifting stela #2 at night
Local and regional governments are negotiating with landowners to find a solution that protects the burial complex while satisfying all parties involved. Additionally, the local government is working on creating replicas of the stelae for a future local interpretation centre. Recently, local and regional authorities inaugurated a new purpose-built space at the regional Museum of Huelva to exhibit the three stelae and artefacts unearthed during the team's excavations.
Inauguration - 19 February 2025
In preparation for this exhibition, the team collaborated closely with museum staff to create engaging content, including a 3D video of the stelae prepared by our PhD student Roger Lang.
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work in Cañaveral de León was engaging with local schoolchildren. We discussed the stelae, the archaeological site, and the broader field of archaeology as both a science and a profession. When we challenged the children to create a comic about the discovery of a hypothetical fourth stela of Cañaveral, they responded with a series of wonderfully creative and imaginative comics. It was especially heartening to see female students envisioning themselves as future archaeologists, participating in the discovery of that fourth stela.
Children's comic about the discovery of a hypothetical fourth stela of Cañaveral
Our Department of Archaeology is a leading centre for the study of archaeology and is ranked 6th in the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). We are an inclusive, vibrant and international community. Our students develop knowledge and gain essential and transferable skills through research-led teaching and lab-based training.
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