Exhibition Highlights: Three Singular Pieces Across Two Museums
The collection on display comprises only three items, yet they carry the weight of national treasures from Portugal. The trio is presented together for the first time, with one piece never having left its origin. They are part of a display at the Lisbon National Archaeological Museum and are now brought to MARQ, where their showcases were opened to mark International Museum Day.
Atlantic Warrior, a symbol of power, anchors the set of three works. This trio has spent time in the Alicante center’s library until mid-October, representing the most significant artifacts from Castro culture. These pieces were developed over almost a millennia, spanning the Bronze Age to the early centuries of the modern era, from the northwest Iberian Peninsula.
The MARQ opening event featured a gladiator-themed display, inviting visitors to an open day. The collection includes Lezenho’s Castreño Warrior, a Wild Boar from Oliva dos Berroes, and a Torc from Vilas Boas. Together, they rank among the most substantial gold-bearing objects from Europe’s prehistoric era and are celebrated as exemplary manifestations of the northwest peninsula’s autochthonous cultures. The MARQ director, along with the cultural authorities and sponsors, underscored the significance of these pieces as peak representations of the region’s early societies.
This Lezenho’s Warrior is a granite-carved figure of imposing size. Its hieratic posture invites interpretation as a tribal hero standing at village entrances, a symbol of communal unity, according to the curator. The external exhibit reflects a powerful narrative about leadership and belonging in ancient communities.
The artwork’s original color is notable; though faded, it is a reminder that ancient statues were once vividly painted, a detail that animated their historical presence and helped convey cultural stories to observers.
Next, the Olival dos Berroes Wild Boar stands as another major element of the collection. Carved from granite in a field with several other animal statues, this piece reflects the important herding and hunting activities of the Castreña community, illustrating how everyday life informed religious and ceremonial objects alike.
Further along in the display is Tork de Vilas Boas, a unique gold item that is believed to be a necklace type associated with elite status. Found in 1965, this torque is entirely crafted from gold and represents one of the most substantial concentrations of precious metal from prehistoric northwest Iberia. It is described as a resounding symbol of social standing, and among similar ornaments, this particular piece now permanently resides at MARQ as a standout example of early metallurgy and social stratification.
Interplay Between Two Museums
The collaboration between the two institutions began in 2011, when the Bronze Hand of Lucentum was exhibited in Portugal. The partnership continued, with additional works displayed there, reinforcing a millennial bond as neighboring Portugal has contributed pieces to the broader narrative across the years. The MARQ team highlighted that the Alicante museum has periodic open days and continues to host projects that traverse national borders. The shared objective is to showcase these works for the first time in Spain and to mark milestones in cultural exchange and archaeologic scholarship.
The MARQ team emphasized the ongoing openness of the museum to future collaborations and international partnerships, seeing this exhibit as a forward-looking step in a long-running exchange of materials and expertise.
Experts describe this collaboration as a powerful act of cultural cooperation between institutions, underscoring the evocative, impressive presentation of the pieces. The show was designed with careful consultation from experts in Castro culture and aims to serve as a reference study for researchers and enthusiasts alike.
As noted by curators, MARQ stands as a reference point for museology and archaeological research in Spain and the Iberian Peninsula. The open-ended nature of future collaborations reflects a shared confidence in continuing to broaden access to these important artifacts, even as the exact opening schedule remains fluid.
In summary, this exhibition embodies a meaningful cultural partnership and presents a thoughtful, well-curated glimpse into the Castreño and broader northwest Iberian prehistoric heritage. The exhibit invites visitors to consider the social dynamics, artistic techniques, and ceremonial uses of these remarkable pieces, reinforcing MARQ’s role as a hub of archaeological research and cross-border cultural dialogue.