Iron Age statue with clearly visible 3000-year-old human ‘fingerprints’ found

The discovery was made at the underwater archaeological site of Gran Carro di Bolsena in Aiola, Italy.

Unexpected find in Lake Bolsena’s depths

During a recent exploration, researchers uncovered a clay sculpture in Lake Bolsena, a volcanic lake. It resembles the figure of a woman, roughly the size of a palm. 

Experts highlight that clay figures like these would typically be found in funerary contexts. However, this particular figure was found in a place which used to be a residential area at one time.

The discovery was made by the Underwater Archaeology Service team, with the Italian Cultural Property Restoration team also playing a crucial role in preserving and recovering the clay artifact. They collaborated with government divers in this effort.

Researchers have observed that the clay statue is remarkably well-preserved, so much so that it “still shows fingerprints” of its maker, as stated in their official statements.

They also add that it resembles more of a first draft than a finished artwork. Although incomplete, the statue provides valuable clues for further research and investigation.

Rediscovering Aiola: Ancient Iron Age village

The Gran Carro di Bolsena is a volcanically active region with some history associated with it. This recent discovery offers a glimpse into a past that remained largely unexplored until 1991.

In that year, researchers identified a cluster of unshaped stones as the possible location of Aiola. These stones were associated with hot springs, wooden poles, and ceramic fragments, situated on the southwestern side of the lake and linked to the early Iron Age.

Experts suggest there may be at least four similar sites, which can be smaller in size.

Four years ago, in 2020, researchers discovered an earthen embankment beneath the stones. This is believed to be the same area where the wood and ceramic fragments originated.

This finding led experts to investigate a mound of earth, the source of the wood and ceramics. Based on this evidence, researchers believe Aiola may have existed during the stilt-house period and held significant importance during the Iron Age.

Additionally, various coins and pottery from the Constantinian era indicate that the site was inhabited well into the late Roman Empire. These discoveries collectively highlight the rich historical significance of this region, with the clay statue being a living example of that.