Nestled in a spectacular natural setting, the hypogeic necropolis of Mandra Antine consists of 4 tombs excavated on a steeply sloping red trachyte rocky ridge. Tomb III of Mandra Antine, or the Painted Tomb, is perhaps “the finest and most interesting example of domestic hypogeic architecture, both for the rare polychromy of the pictorial elements that can still be admired today, despite the ravages of time, and for the problematic symbolism that refers to them (Tanda 1984).” Discovered in 1961 by E. Contu, who explored it scientifically and published it, it consists of 4 cells arranged in a “T” shape: the elliptical anticell (m. 1.60 x 3.60), a rectangular cell and two ellipsoidal cells (m. 1.10 x 1.66 the western one) open on the short sides of the latter. Inside the rectangular cell is a representation of the hearth (consisting of 4 concentric circles) and the flatbanded roof, which is divided into 20 coffers, 10 on each side. On the back wall of the main cell is a full-wall depiction of the Taurine coat of arms consisting of three lines of horns bordering a centralized false door. A total of 6 blackish disks hang from the middle band, and on either side are two squares with a disk, also black. In the middle of the lintel is a row of six opposing triangles for the vertex, painted black. A red stripe (partly disappeared) runs horizontally at the base of the wall.
