Sixteenth Century Footprints on the South Western’s Writing: Frei Manuel Do Cenáculo and his Circle

Fr. Manuel do Cenáculo is rightly considered one of the forerunners of the research on the Iberian pre‐Roman inscriptions. As the copious archival documentation related to this prelate comes to public knowledge, the complex network of collaborators engaged in different aspects of his cultural project becomes clearer. This contribution aims to draw attention to some documents in which some persons in his entourage deepen aspects related to the ancient writings uncovered in the ʺfields of Ouriqueʺ. Particular emphasis is laid upon the contribution of Fr. José de S. Lourenço do Vale, whose “Oração do Museo” and the interpretations on the meaning of these inscriptions give rise to some considerations.