Between metaphor and myth. The symbolic representation of the feminine in Iberian society.

We start with the analysis of a series of archaeological finds in order to trace the semantic codes that will determine the representation of the feminine in the south of the Iberian Peninsula over five centuries, from the Orientalising period to Romanisation. These sets are standardised and contain, among other gold objects, a diadem with triangular ends and three torques or necklaces: Aliseda (Cáceres), Cortijo de Ébora (Cádiz), Jávea (Alicante), La Puebla de los Infantes and Mairena del Alcor (Seville). The deposit from La Marina (Alicante), recently recovered, contained three torques and a gold pendant, and is closely related to the previous ones. Finally, we present one of the few iconographic documents that could reflect the existence of priestesses in Iberian society: a silver ring from Santiago de la Espada (Jaén).