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LOT 0366
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Votive Altar with Bull's Head
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
2 5/8 in. (140 grams, 68 mm).
Hollow-formed, trapezoidal in plan with three attachment holes above the thickened rim, three stub feet; broad face with pelletted bands to the edges, high-relief bull's head with fur detailing and whorl to the brow, curved horns. [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.
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AUCTIONS:
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Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Irregular D-shaped head with reserved 'cap', almond-shaped eyes and slit mouth; pierced vertically from the D-shaped socket at the chin to the top of the head; possibly part of a furnace vent; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 10.65 kg total, 37 cm 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. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Mirror Handle
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,170
Handle for a hand-mirror formed as a large ring finial, two loops connected by a gussetted oblate bar, upper end developing to a volute scroll with symmetrically placed discs; La Tène design with swept curves throughout. 92 grams, 11.2 cm
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 Coiled Silver Bracelet Pair
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,300
Comprising a matched pair, each a keeled band with round-section finials formed as coiled bosses and linked loops forming a Hercules' knot at the centre, the ends coiled around the band. 101 grams total, 73-74 mm
Acquired in the early 1970s. Ex property of a Surrey collector. From the Horton collection, UK.
