3,000-Year-Old Goddess Figurine Discovered in Italian Lake, With Fingerprints of Maker
Lake Bolsena, a volcanic lake in central Italy, has yielded a 3,000-year-old clay figurine, believed to represent an ancient goddess. This figurine was discovered at the Gran Carro archaeological site, thought to be the submerged remains of an Iron Age village dating back to the 10th or 9th century BC. Remarkably, after 3000 years of submersion, the figure still bears the fingerprints of its maker.
A Rare Glimpse into Early Iron Age Rituals
The discovery was made by the personnel of the Underwater Archaeology Service, followed by the recovery and initial conservation treatment carried out by the underwater restorers of CSR Restauro Beni Culturali, reports LBV.
The figurine measures approximately 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length, and is crudely finished, almost like it is a work in progress. The fingerprints offer a tangible connection to the ancient sculptor of the past.
The impression of a fabric pattern on the figurine suggests that it was originally clothed, possibly as part of a domestic ritual. Archaeologists believe the figurine was used in votive practices, where prayers or offerings were directed to the figurine, indicating its role in the spiritual life of the Iron Age inhabitants, explains Live Science.
"This is an exceptional discovery, one of a kind," noted the archaeologists, emphasizing the figurine's significance in shedding light on the daily and spiritual lives of people from the early Iron Age, particularly in southern Etruria. Similar rituals have been documented in the region during later periods, indicating a long-standing tradition of such practices.
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Archaeologists and police with the figurine freshly extracted from the water. (Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale)
The Submerged Village of Gran Carro
The Gran Carro site, located on the eastern side of Lake Bolsena, has been the subject of archaeological interest since the 1960s. The site is believed to have been submerged due to seismic activity that caused the eastern shore of the lake to sink. This ancient village is thought to have been built by people from the Villanovan culture, the early stage of the Etruscan civilization that predated the rise of Rome.
Over the years, thousands of artifacts have been recovered from the site, including pieces of wood, pottery, jewelry, and household objects. These discoveries have provided insights into the organization and daily life of Iron Age society in the region. The newly discovered goddess figurine adds to this growing body of knowledge, offering a rare glimpse into the religious practices of the time.
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Continuing Research and Preservation
The Gran Carro site is currently being developed under Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan, with the creation of an underwater path for visitors to explore this fascinating submerged village.
One of the site's most enigmatic features is the Aiola, a large pile of submerged stones believed to have been constructed beside a geothermal spring. Such hot springs were considered sacred by later Etruscan and Roman cultures, and recent research has shown that the stones of the Aiola cover an earthen mound, with artifacts from the Iron Age and later Roman coins found at the site.
Top image: The Iron Age figurine discovered in Lake Bolsena. Source: Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti Paesaggio Etruria Meridionale
By Gary Manners
