Strange carving from ancient jerusalem

[Cintra]

Wierd or what?

What do people thing they were, or were for?

To me they look like letters, but I don't know the language.
They were found about 100 years ago, and refound recently. But I cant find proper reports of either dig.

The picture is from this site

What Are These Strange Markings Found Near Jerusalem’s Gihon Spring?

The function of these strange, V-shaped markings discovered near the Gihon Spring in the City of David (Jerusalem) has completely baffled archaeologists.

www.biblicalarchaeology.org

If anyone knows where I can read the archaeological reports of either discovery, please let me know.

 

[Mr.Anderson]

I don't know. At first glance I saw "VIVA", that means "live" in portuguese or "hurrah".

My best bet is that these would help to stabilize something foldable

 

[Cintra]

I don't know. At first glance I saw "VIVA", that means "live" in portuguese or "hurrah".

My best bet is that these would help to stabilize something foldable

That seem likely.
The precision and depth of the carvings would imply that the thing/s placed there were big/unstable/important.

It would be nice to know what they were carved with. A microscopic examination of the cut surfaces should show tool marks and even metal fragments.
It would help date it.
Copper or bronze tools would make it very old.