Loading, please wait...
LOT 1557
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Votive Horse's Head
CIRCA 1ST CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
1 3/8 in. (12 grams, 34 mm).
With carinated arching neck, crescent 'horns' above the forehead, inset blue glass eyes. [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, plates 287, 289, for type.
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.
-
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Votive Horse's Head
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £111
With carinated arching neck, crescent 'horns' above the forehead, inset blue glass eyes. 12 grams, 34 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 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. -
Celtiberian Gold Neck Torc
4th-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £14,950
A heavy penannular neck torc with carinated body and tapering coiled terminals. 165 grams, 14.8 cm
Nefer Gallery, Zurich, 1980s. French private collection. with Christie's, Ancient Jewelry, New York, 7 December 2006, no.224 (US$ 20,000-$30,000). French private collection. Accompanied by copies of the relevant Christie's catalogue pages.
