Systematic excavation at the ancient sculpture workshop in the position of Flame in Parikia

The systematic excavation of EFA Cyclades was completed for this year’s period at the archaeological site of the ancient sculpture workshop In the position of Parikia Flamewhich is carried out under the direction of Dr. Sofia Detorato. The site began to be excavated in the mid -1980s, when three building units came to light. The marble dentures in various parts of the area and the significant number of semi -worked marble sculptures found are the first powerful indications for the operation of a sculpture workshop in the Flame position during the Hellenistic period.

OR Archaeological research on site started again in 2008; Since 2013 the excavation has become systematic. New research has brought to light new architectural residues, some of which are founded on earlier constructions, which substantiates the use of space timeless. The latter are associated with earlier phases dating back to the late 5th to the 4th century. B.C. The mobile findings of the earliest installation (fragments of vessels, mainly table, eating and drinking, and less useful or storage) document the residential use of the space during the classical period.

Based on the latest excavations, a radical reorganization of the site is found in the late 3rd to the beginning of the 2nd century. B.C. The internal layout of the building units that have been revealed confirms the continuation of the residential character of the site in the Hellenistic period. The revelation of a room with pebble flooring and frescoes that mimic plates of orthoming, which is identified with a man, enhances the above interpretation. However, the extensive layer of marble lover that is set in the patio, over -the -top phases, as well as the large number of semi -worked sculptures, document the additional use of the space as a sculpture workshop. Rejects and detection within these findings such as clay matrices and seals, pigments, purple and metal slags confirm laboratory activities in the wider area and in a later period.

This year’s archaeological investigations revealed additional rooms of the building complex whose walls are kept at an impressive height. Of particular interest are the mobile findings among which are semi -worked marble sculptures, mainly Aphrodite, clay heads of female forms, as well as clay matrices and seals, while a very large amount of ceramics were collected. In addition to the scientific team of the excavation, consisting of the archaeologist of EFA Cyclades A. Papadimitriou and archaeologists Dr. Ath. Garonis and Sp. D. Koutsogiannis, Sp. Law, G. Savoglou.

Warm thanks are due to the Athanasiou & Marina Martinos Foundation for the many years of polite sponsorships without which the archaeological work would not be continued. Particularly valuable for this year’s work is the contribution of the Municipality of Paros with the granting of accommodation for the hospitality of the students, the Hundreds of Ekatontapyliani pilgrimage with the concession of meals and the KTEL presence for the free movement of students from the accommodation.

Finally, special thanks are due to Mayor Paros Mr. K. Bizas, the Deputy Mayors Mrs A. Kagani and An. Kassapidis as well as Mrs G. Kapoutsos, I. Biza, the President of the KTEL Paros Mr. G. Roussos.