Clay figurine estimated to be 3,000 years old found in Italy, handprints of its creator are said to be visible

Archaeologists have made a significant discovery in Lake Bolsena in central Italy—a 3,000-year-old clay figurine—believed to represent an ancient goddess. The artifact was found submerged in a volcanic lake that contains the remains of an early Iron Age village from around the 10th or 9th century BCE. The figurine, about 6 inches (15 centimeters) long, offers a rare glimpse into the early practices and daily life of this ancient civilization. The discovery includes handprints of the maker and imprints of a fabric pattern, suggesting the figurine was once dressed in a garment.

Archaeological context

The figurine was unearthed by a team of Italian government archaeologists and police divers at the Gran Carro site on the eastern shore of Lake Bolsena, according to a Facebook post by the Superintendency of Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape. The site, which sank into the lake due to seismic activity, has been the subject of archaeological research since the 1960s. Finds from the site have previously included wooden objects, pottery and jewelry, providing valuable information on the organization and culture of early Iron Age societies.

The significance of the find

The roughness of the clay figurine and the imprints of the cloth indicate that it was probably used in domestic rituals. Similar artifacts found in Iron Age graves suggest that such practices were common. The discovery is notable for preserving both the handprints of the artist and the imprint of the garment, offering a unique insight into ritual practices at the time.

Wider implications

Geologists have determined that Lake Bolsena was formed between 600,000 and 200,000 years ago during volcanic eruptions. The submerged village, probably built by the Villanovan culture—a precursor to the Etruscan civilization—has yielded a wealth of artifacts that reveal much about life in the early Iron Age. The Gran Carro site is now part of Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to improve the site’s accessibility for visitors and further research.

Ongoing research

In addition to the figurine, the Aiola structure at the site—a large pile of submerged stones—was likely built near a geothermal spring. This discovery, along with others from the region, helps piece together the historical significance of Lake Bolsena and its surroundings at various times, including the Roman era.