In the north of Spain, archaeologists have discovered an intriguing artifact: a 2,000-year-old bronze hand from the Iron Age, decorated with four lines of mysterious symbols. This finding has sparked conjecture on its relationship to the prehistoric Paleohispanic languages and its possible influence on the evolution of modern Basque in Spain.
The hand was discovered in an area once inhabited by the Vascones tribe, who left little in the way of written records, leading to the belief that they were pre-literate. However, this artifact challenges that assumption. According to a recent study, the inscription on the hand represents a graphic subsystem of Paleohispanic that shares linguistic roots with modern Basque, making it the first example of Vasconic epigraphy.
The orientation of the script, along with a small hole in the hand and its location of discovery, suggests that it may have been hung near the entrance of a building. The inscription was created using the sgraffito technique, with smaller punched dots following the lines. While the exact tools used remain unknown, researchers speculate that a sharp iron tool, such as a burin, might have been employed.
Despite challenges in translation, researchers have identified certain words and made comparisons with other artifacts, leading them to believe that the language represented on the hand is a distinct sub-system. One word, “sorioneku,” bears a striking resemblance to the Basque word “zorioneko,” meaning of good fortune, indicating a positive message.
The inscription is thought to be apotropaic, intended to bring good fortune, and may have had ritual or cultural significance. Similar artifacts depicting open right hands have been found in the Vasconic and Iberian regions, suggesting a common cultural motif.
This discovery challenges previous notions about the literacy of ancient Vascones and sheds light on their language and culture before Roman influence. As research continues, the Hand of Irulegi promises to reveal more about this ancient tribe and their use of written language.