Iron Age Celtic Bronze Cosmetic Grinder Set with Bull and Phallus

S-shaped with scrolled flourishes to the dragon-head terminals, remains of inlaid blue and red enamelling to the stylised beast heads, wave and lozenge ornament to the body; free-running tongue with head coiled around the neck of one of the creatures; Romano-British. 24.9 grams, 60 mm



Found Lincolnshire, UK.

Such fibulae served functional and decorative purposes; the curved pin would have fastened pieces of cloth. They were worn singly or as pairs.

Including two artefacts accompanied by Portable Antiquities Scheme records: a La Tene IIb style brooch, 3rd century B.C.; an anthropomorphic strap distributor with one remaining loop dated 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.; accompanied by five other artefacts, including a fitting with triangular attachment arm and discoid head; enamelled discoid stud; penannular ring or bar; zoomorphic fitting; possible wight with domed upper face decorated with chevrons, pellets and hatched triangles, star motif to the reverse. 77 grams total, 17-43 mm



Found Berkshire, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.BERK-AB8B30 and BERK-33D535.

One terret post comprising a slightly domed rectangular plate and projecting arm with domed terminal, suspension arm below; an eye-shaped slider with punched ring-and-dot motif to centre, suspension arm to reverse. 68 grams total, 32-51 mm



Acquired on the UK market, 1990s. Property of a retired academic.