It is the early 20th century and the intrepid archaeologist Joan Flaquer has just made a discovery that will forever mark his career. During one of his usual excavations, he has discovered more than 200 high-bottomed cups from the Late Talayotic period in an excellent state of conservation. Dusk is now upon him and he has no time to spare. As a professional notary and the methodical man he is, he knows he cannot waste any time noting down in his notebook the description of each of the objects he has before him. The mystery is about to commence…
Joan Flaquer i Fàbregues was one of the primary figures in Menorcan archaeology during the first half of the 20th century. A collector, numismatist and archaeologist, he had an active role in the town of Maó’s cultural setting, which at the time revolved around the Athenaeum of Maó. He also published a series of articles on Menorcan archaeology, history and numismatics in the Revista de Menorca magazine. His work paved the way for the arrival of internationally renowned figures to the island.
In June 2017, the Museum of Menorca was entrusted with the legacy of historical objects that Flaquer had left to his grandson: over three thousand archaeological pieces in all, primarily prehistoric, Roman and Islamic pieces found in Menorca, in addition to a notable collection of coins and a plethora of other documents. The entrusted collection is extremely valuable as it represents the entire personal collection of one of the true pioneers of Menorcan archaeology, which we are now fortunate to enjoy in all of its splendour.
Dates: 08/02/2020 – 07/02/2021
Curators: Montserrat Anglada and Octavio Pons