Comunicare con gli dèi. Parole e simboli sulle stele del tofet

Does a relationship exist between images and dedications engraved on steles in the Punic sanctuaries called "tofet"? In this paper symbolic, linguistic and iconographic codes are analyzed. Besides, motivations that brought scribes and stonemasons to use distinct parallel paths of communication with the divine interlocutor are also considered. Although the linguistic and iconographic codes are parallel, they are not totally separated. In fact, repetitiveness of images, symbols and formulas on the stelae, are used to invoke the aid of a god. In this way, the tofet together with headstones, images and words represents the choral character of a people in prayer.