Compass-made circle engravings from Giau Pass and Mondeval (S. Vito di Cadore, Dolomites, Veneto region, NE Italy)

The uplands between the Giau pass and Mondeval (1,900-2,700 m asl) yielded significant evidence of human activities, from the Mesolithic to the present. The main reason for the intense occupation of this area is related to the exploitation of ore resources (galena), as well as faunal, forestry and other environmental resources. In three areas, characterised by a gentle terrain and open vegetation, clusters of engravings have been identified on volcanic rocks or bedrock outcrops. These engravings are compass-made circles, with variable grooves (from large and deep to shallow), often concentric, sometimes organized in geometric patterns or lacking any geometric organization. This type of evidence, which is difficult to date, has few comparable examples. Analysing their spatial distribution, the land use of the area and the information provided by documentary sources, we suggest that they might have been used as boundary markers within the old community of San Vito di Cadore.