This stela, was discovered in Kamenica, Kosova and dates to ca. 500—100 B.C., depicting a funerary procession scene led by a woman, maybe the deceased’s spouse, who is followed by a man’s coffin and a group of mourners.

The relief was excavated at the Dardana Fortress, and a ritual similar to the one represented in this carving is still practiced today by the Albanian inhabitants of the mountainous region of Malësia e Gjakovës, Kosova.

This Friday, it will be presented on The Ritual and Memory exhibition that will take place on January 13 – 5 PM, East 84th Street, New York.

“We are pleased to invite you to a program that will include a private exhibition tour, showcasing archaeological objects used by native inhabitants, in celebrations and in funerals, inviting us to consider beliefs, ritual practices, and communities coming together in the ancient civilizations of the Balkan region. The Dardana Fortress (Kalaja e Dardanës) is an archaeological site in the hills of modern-day Kamenica, Kosova. During classical antiquity, it was a hilltop settlement and fortress of the Dardani people. This program is created in collaboration with the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World at New York University (NYU). East 84th Street, New York – Jan, 13 — 5pm.” – Albanian Institute New York.

The Dardana Fortress (Kalaja e Dardanës) is an archaeological site located on the hills of present day Kamenica, eastern Kosova. It was a hilltop settlement and fortress of the Dardani people during the classical antiquity and was rebuilt in the late Roman era.