Reperti Archeologici Mefite presso Museo Irpino di Avellino
The excavations made in the 50s led to the discovery of several findings that prove the presence of a permanent settlement from the fifth to the fourth century AD This is an important evidence of the Italian figurative culture, from Sanniti to Hellenistic influence up to the threshold of Romanization. The material is currently housed at Museo Irpino of Avellino and includes amber objects, objects made of gold, silver and bronze, clay figurines, ceramics, and votive objects (ex. Votive hands and feet), iron and bronze weapons and various ancient coins, which testitify the origins of the worshippers and their faith in the worship of Mefite. Among the most interesting votive offerings, it is worth mentioning an amazing amber necklace, dating back fifth century BC. Of great archaeological interest are the so-called xoana, wooden torso-shaped sculptures, that have remained in excellent state of conservation thanks to the peculiar local conditions. The Museum of Irpinia houses13 Xoanas and a pàtera (shallow ceramic or metal libation bowl). The deposit of votive offerings also includes several bronze statuette, well-refined and realized (almost certaintly) in Etruscan workshops, and terracotta statuettes. The Museum houses six bronze statues representing male figures, several statuettes representing gods, men and women in the act of praying and offering gifts (baby boars or pàteras), female figures with children and Italic warriors with armor. A detailed examination of objects shows that a short period of pure indigenous art was slowly replaced another, in the mid-fifth century. During which this period they indigenous and Greek motifs were mixed.