After 600 B.C. – the second half of Hallstatt period, a distinct artistic development appeared among the Adriatic Veneti area of central Alps, the lower Po Valley and the upper Adriatic covering the territory of today’s Slovenia and northern Italy. This was the production of bronze vessels bearing beautiful decorations made in toreutic technique.

 The small ceremonial vessel was called situla and was used mainly for ritual drinking. In its composition and function it differed markedly from vessels originating in Etruscan and Greek cultures, which had a major influence on artistic development of cultures flourishing in central Europe at the time.

 These cultures had each their own distinguishing characteristics, as well as common elements. Situlas, which were produced by the Adriatic Veneti were such a unique product that archaeologists and art historians gave their production and diffusion a separate name. They set it apart from other types of production by naming it the Art of Situla.

 Many beautiful situlas were discovered in Slovenia, mainly south of Ljubljana, in the Lower Carniola.  A world famous situla was found in the village of Vacce.  It is a very fine example of the Art of Situla, with illustrations that are a document of Venetic social and festive life.

Illustrations on the frieze are arranged in three tiers. In the first tier the horse is the dominant figure. He appears held by the bridle, put to the carriage or mounted by a rider. The second tier shows scenes from the life of a Venetic prince, drinking, music and inhaling fragrances. The third tier portrays animals, mostly deer, marching in a row.

 Only a few fragments remain of the situla of Visacce in southern Istria, but these are enough to show characteristic elements of the Venetic culture and the situla art – a warrior driving his chariot.  As a document of the period the image emphasizes the warlike aspect of society. The Histri people are known for their epic struggle against Romans.

Another beautiful example of the Venetic situla art, found at Este, is the bronze situla cover with engraving of mythical animals.

With the end of Hallstatt period around 400 BC, Venetic situla art died out. The following La Tene period was carried by the Celts, who made their own artistic and cultural contribution.

Aleksandra Ceferin, Thezaurus (Melbourne 2000)

From: Ssavli, Bor, Tomazzic, Veneti-First Builders of European Community (1996)
Mariarosaria Stellin: The Situla and the Ancient Veneti (2000)