Anta Capital

Fragment of an anta capital, preserving the front right corner, slightly chipped. The front face is decorated with a smooth, concave band (a Doric-type kyma), beneath which develops a lateral volute known as a “spool-shaped” volute, a spiral motif used both for decoration and for supporting the structure above. On the right side, two superimposed decorative bands can be distinguished: a row of small cylindrical elements in relief (astragals) and a series of incised or stylized symbols (glyphs), closed at the bottom by small decorative arches. Traces of workmanship are also visible, such as compass holes left by the tool used to precisely trace the ornamental motifs.

This capital represents one of the earliest stone architectural elements of Magna Graecia. Because of its distinctive shape, it is referred to by scholars as a “sofa capital.” It originally crowned the upper part of a pier integrated into a wall, known as an anta; for this reason, it is less projecting and more compressed in form than a column capital. The fragment was discovered in 1974 at Stombi, near the Sibari, together with other stone fragments that had been piled up after being dismantled or collapsed from their original buildings, probably intended for reuse as construction material. The original structure to which it belonged is therefore unknown. However, the refinement of its decorative details suggests a prestigious building, most likely a small temple, whose entrance this capital once adorned.