This bronze hand is a particularly unusual artifact. Hammered from sheet bronze, it tapers towards the wrist and features a cuff-like forearm section with two nail holes, suggesting it was affixed in pairs to wooden structures. Traces of fabric found on a similar pair of hands from a warrior’s grave in Vulci indicate that these objects likely formed part of symbolic representations of the deceased.
The Villanovan culture served as the foundation of Etruscan civilization. Named after a significant archaeological site near Bologna, it represents the oldest Iron Age culture in northern Italy. During the 9th and 8th centuries BC, the Villanovan culture expanded across much of central Italy.
Left Hand, Production mid-7th century BC, Italy. Height: 32cm. Source: MKG, Public domain
Design is fine. History is mine. 