SZ-57.2

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Inscription
Transliteration:	la
Original script:
Variant Reading:	§
Object:	SZ-57 bowl (pottery) (Inscriptions: SZ-57.1, SZ-57.2)
Position:	inside, rim
Script:	unknown
Direction of writing:	ambiguous
Letter height:	1.7 cm
Number of characters:	2
Number of lines:	1
Craftsmanship:	incised
Current condition:	complete, restored
Date of inscription:	3rd–2nd centuries BC [from object]
Date derived from:	typology [from object]
Language:	unknown
Meaning:
Alternative sigla:	IR 56 b LIR SA-52 b
Sources:	Schumacher 2004: 145

Commentary

First published in Franz 1959: 228 (7).
Pictures in Franz 1959: Taf. 2,5 (drawing) and LIR (photo).
Probably with black inlay, maybe old discolouration.
The object bears another, almost identical inscription. Compare also SZ-60.3. While it is likely that the group of inscriptions belongs together, it is hard to determine how the signs should be interpreted. SZ-57.2 is the only instance in which the second sign has the shape of regular instead of which can also be turned and read as . But SZ-57.2 is made doubtful by an additional small oblique stroke added to . Depending on the orientation of the second sign, the first one can be read as , giving la sinistroverse on SZ-57.2 and on SZ-57.1, dextroverse A22 d on SZ-60.3, the latter both read with the bowl upturned. In SZ-60.3, the second sign has a prolonged middle stroke, making it look like . The reading would then be lχ or pχ sinistroverse on SZ-60.3, dextroverse on SZ-57.1, both with the bowl stood upright. A reading of the first sign as u is less likely, as it is in all insctances clearly asymmetrical. Compare also SZ-59.

Bibliography

Franz 1959	Leonhard Franz, "Rätische Inschriften im Innsbrucker Landesmuseum", Der Schlern 33 (1959), 228–229.
IR	Alberto Mancini, "Iscrizioni retiche", Studi Etruschi 43 (1975), 249–306.
LIR	Alberto Mancini, Le Iscrizioni Retiche [= Quaderni del dipartimento di linguistica, Università degli studi di Firenze Studi 8–9], Padova: Unipress 2009–10. (2 volumes)