Loading, please wait...
LOT 1558
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Phallic Head Terminal
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 1/8 in. (30 grams, 30 mm).
Tubular shank with gussets above the rim, D-shaped face with swept-back hair, inset glass eyes; cracked. [No Reserve]
ProvenanceFrom a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000.
From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
Cf. Durham, E., Metal Figurines in Roman Britain, vol. 2, Reading, 2010, plate 211 for similar form of head on a full-length figure.
CONDITIONTimeLine Auctions follows a vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists: Our Vetting Process
AUCTIONS:
TimeLine is a leading auction house specialising in antiquities, ancient art, collectables, natural history, coins, medals, and books. Our auctions offer museums, collectors, historians, and enthusiasts the opportunity to acquire unique and historically significant pieces.
LOT 1558
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Phallic Head Terminal
Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
-
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Enamelled Ring Bezel
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £442
Ellipsoid bezel with segmented face forming cells: band of five rectangles placed medially with spandrels to each side. 7.2 grams, 21 mm
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Fish Statuette
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
Modelled in the round with dorsal and lateral fins; mounted on a custom-made stand. 110 grams total, 61 mm wide including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent. -
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,690
Carved in the round as a male head with triangular chin and jaw, broad square brow, lentoid eyes, reserved scrolled ears; mounted on a custom-made stand. 5 kg total, 22 cm high including stand
From a collection acquired on the UK art market from various auction houses and collections mostly before 2000. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.
The cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
