Libisosa Archaeological Park unveils ancient Iberian sculpture

Archaeologists at the Libisosa Archaeological Park in Lezuza, Albacete, have unveiled an anthropomorphic Iberian sculpture dating between the 5th and 4th centuries BCE. The find consists of a life-sized head that retains its sides and back, though the face has been lost.

The piece features a distinctive hairstyle of braids gathered at the rear. While this initially suggests a female representation, the presence of what may be a crown of curls on the forehead suggests the figure could be a young male. Researchers noted that such round, three-dimensional sculptures are rare in the Iberian world.

Originally part of a funerary monument, the sculpture was later repurposed into the northern perimeter wall or granary of the Roman forum built during the era of Augustus. The discovery adds significant value to the ongoing excavations at Libisosa, which have been active since the 1990s.