While it is perhaps unfortunate that we do not know the meaning of some Etruscan words, it does result in several gems when an author simply italicises an untranslatable word in the gloss and translation:
Flere in crapsti
Divinity which in crap
“divinity, which [is] in crap”
Flereś crapśti
“of the divinity in the crap”
(Etruscan is an ancient language that was spoken and written primarily in northwest central Italy. It is also a language isolate meaning, with a few exceptions, it is unrelated to any known language ancient or modern. The alphabet used for Etruscan is based on the Greek alphabet, which means scholars are able to read many of the texts. Working out what they mean, however, is essentially informed guesswork. Check out Helmut Rix’s chapter on Etruscan in The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the World’s Ancient Languages, for more examples and information!).
Y'all hear that Boar Vessel 600-500 BC Etruscan Ceramic is fake?
In all seriousness, this thread was written by a classical archaeologist from the University of Michigan. Very interesting thread about antiquities and authenticity. I just wish boar posting could have been spared.
Canopic urn. 6th c. B.C.; terracotta. The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
“Long after inhumation became widespread, the people of Chiusi and surrounding hamlets continued to cremate their dead. They deposited the ashes in anthropomorphizing urns, often equipped with articulated arms, jewelry, wigs, and even clothing. The lids of these urns represent a stylized portrait of the deceased. Earlier examples, especially those for warriors, were often topped with a bronze or clay helmet.” (x)
Limestone Etruscan funerary urn, 104 x 75 cm, late 3rd century B.C, Italy.
This object is one of five ash urns found in a tomb of the Velsi family of ancient Chiusi. This urn is the largest and best preserved of the group. Its inscription, “FASTIA VELSI LARZL, VELUS PUIA,” which extends across the front and part of the left end of the lid, identifies the cremated remains as those of “Fastia Velsi, wife of Larza Velu.” - mfa.org
Three Etruscan Bucchero-Ware Vessels 7th/6th Century B.C.
Comprising a chalice with open base and bowl with notched carination, the supports in the form of two caryatids and two panels molded in relief with a scrolling motif; a kyathos with broad strap handle and notched carination, the body and handle impressed with spray motifs; and a trefoil oinochoe with ovoid body, the shoulder decorated in relief with alternating grazing deer and palm fronds.
