How does Hand of Irulegi elucidate its Context and form?
The "Hand of Irulegi" has been a working title assigned to the archaeological find. It dates from the 1st century BC. At the time, during the period of Sertorian Wars, the native population took sides and the settlement came under attack, extending the fire throughout the fortified town as a result. As outlined by Juantxo Agirre Mauleon, secretary of the Science Society Aranzadi, which conducted the excavation, the roof of the dwelling collapsed, which allowed for the preservation of archaeological remains under the debris. The hand may have hung from the door, where it provided protection for the house. According to a report in The Economist, 'such striking hand-shaped designs are unknown in Spanish or neighbouring cultures'.
It has been linked to Iberian and Celtiberian trophies representing the cut hand of a defeated enemy.
However, similar objects known as hamsa are found in various cultures of the Middle East and North Africa, including Phoenician colonies in the Iberian peninsula.
hamsa Celtiberian Aranzadi Sertorian War Sertorian Wars