In 2017, archaeologists made a remarkable and potentially significant discovery while excavating an ancient grave in Switzerland. They uncovered a bronze hand that was 3,500 years old, adorned with a gold cuff around the wrist, leaving them puzzled yet intrigued.

The discovery of this unique object was unprecedented in this particular region of Europe, and left the researchers uncertain of its origins. It appears to have been a symbol of power, but its function remains unclear.

The ornate object could have been part of a larger sculpture, or perhaps the top ornament of a staff, IFL Science reported.

To gain further insight into the object, the Archaeological Service of the Canton of Bern conducted a comprehensive scientific analysis. Initial carbon dating results suggested that the hand dates back to the Middle Bronze Age of Europe, specifically between 1,500 and 1,400 BCE.

This makes it possibly the oldest bronze piece ever found that represents a human body part, and potentially the oldest bronze sculpture in all of Europe.

Written by staff