Larissa Bonfante’s article “Etruscan Sexuality and Funerary Art” looks at the intersection of Etruscan imagery,
culture, and their beliefs about the afterlife. Put yourself in the shoes or sarcophagus of an Etruscan. When you
choose to spend money on your tomb, sarcophagus, or the contents of your tomb, what are your needs,
expectations, and obligations (to yourself, your soul, or your family)? Discuss why Etruscan tombs look like
they do and are filled with beautiful objects (like Exekias’ famous vases).
Jeff’s notes:
The article is in your module materials.
This is one where it is easy to forget about specific works to use – don’t do that. Use tombs and pieces from
them that you are studying to show your ideas and reasoning. What is the evidence for what you are saying?
Important to remember – this is not a statement about your tomb in terms of who you are as a modern person.
You have to imagine yourself as an ancient Etruscan and make it your site as someone living in that culture in
central Italy during the 1st millennium BCE. It is a test of how well you have understood the materials on the
Etruscan world views, especially toward the afterlife.
