In Lunigiana, approximately 80 stele statues have been discovered to date, which have been classified into three distinct groups (A, B, C) based on their morphology by A.C. Ambrosi.

Group A includes stele statues characterized by a semi-circular head that is not clearly distinguished from the body, except for a slight indentation indicating the shoulders, and a thin horizontal relief band representing the clavicular area. Group A features representations of arms and fingers of the hands rendered with parallel lines. The face, shaped like a “U,” has eyes depicted as two small holes or raised dots, and in some cases, there are two hollowed cups or small circles on the sides of the face, interpreted as ears or earrings. Within this group, one can distinguish female figures (identified by the depiction of breasts), male figures (characterized by the presence of a dagger below the hands), and indeterminate figures (referred to as such due to the absence of any distinguishing attributes).

Group B is the largest group among the stele statues. In Group B, there is an evolution compared to the previous group, with greater definition of anatomical details and a clear distinction between the head and the torso. The head has a semi-circular arch shape with more or less developed lateral expansions, resembling a carabineer’s hat, and it is connected to the body by a truncated-conical neck. The face can be in a “U” shape, similar to the previous group, or it can be delimited by a raised circular band, from the top of which descends a vertical segment towards the center, indicating the nose. In one case (the Verrucola stele statue), the face appears as a “T”. The eyes are always represented by two holes or raised circular shapes. These stele statues also feature the clavicular band and arms, and the fingers of the hands are depicted in a more naturalistic manner compared to the previous group of stele statues.

The female stele statues in this group have breasts and sometimes a necklace, which can be depicted as a collar created with parallel incisions on the neck, or a necklace formed by three incised semicircular lines, or a raised semicircular cord. The male stele statues are depicted with a dagger, which can be accompanied by an axe. In some cases, the dagger is shown inserted into a rectangular sheath. Other stele statues in this group are fragments, often consisting of isolated heads that do not allow us to determine their association with a male or female figure.

Group C comprises the most recent stele statues. They are characterized by a more realistic representation of the human figure and a nearly three-dimensional craftsmanship of the monument, with a clear attempt at achieving a sense of depth. Only male figures are depicted in the existing specimens. The head is round-shaped and distinct from the body by a rather wide neck. The face is enriched with precise anatomical details. In one case (Filetto II), legs and feet are also represented. The stele of Lerici stands out as typologically different, being an elaboration of an older monument, where the male figure is depicted in profile on the stone surface.

Three other stele statues – Zignago, Campoli, and Filetto I – are reworkings of specimens belonging to previous groups. In the majority of cases, these stele statues share a common feature: a socketed axe with a quadrangular blade and a long handle. Sometimes, two javelins or a spear can be associated with it. In certain cases, a dagger or an “antenna” sword placed at the side and supported by the belt are also present. The belt is always depicted, and sometimes a triangular loincloth. The stele of Lerici depicts a round shield and a domed helmet, which also seem to appear on the stele statue of Reusa.
Three stele statues (Zignago, Filetto II, Bigliolo) are accompanied by inscriptions in Etruscan characters.

The stele statues of Canossa II, Filetto IX, Malgrate V, La Spezia I, and La Spezia II are difficult to classify and are therefore considered “Uncertain.”