The baptismal font of Folgoso (Esgos, Ourense)

Abstract

With this study, we get to know the baptismal font of the chapel of Folgoso, in Esgos, Ourense. It is a square section granite block, engraved on all four sides with plastic motifs from the castrexa culture that preserves pigmentation from different periods and with a hollow in its upper part. These characteristics make it a unique piece for the context of the Iron Age in the peninsular Northwest. To understand what it is about, we paid attention to its surroundings and analyzed examples of similar and nearby pieces. Finally, we proposed some conclusions about its possible origin and later reuse as an altar column, as well as its resignification until nowadays.