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_900x900.jpg "Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head")
_200x200.jpg "Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head")
.jpg "Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head")
LOT 0364
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
8 5/8 in. (5 kg total, 22 cm high including stand).
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. [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. Petch, M., Celtic Stone Sculptures, London, 1989, fig.1, for type.
FootnotesThe cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
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:
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Romano-Celtic Bronze Bow Brooch
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £65
Gorica-type bronze bow-brooch with knop to the forward edge of the catchplate. 11.8 grams, 68 mm
Ex ArtAncient Ltd, London, SW6, with item id.16186. From the private collection of Mr A Hills, Kent, UK. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Moustache Chape
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed as two lateral conical bulbs connected at the base by a plain gusset; each cone with swept profile, the surface of the bulb with heavy facetting; socket to the centre. 23.2 grams, 34 mm
Found Hertfordshire, UK.
Fittings of this type are known as 'moustache mounts'. Their exact function is unknown but use as the chape of a scabbard has been suggested. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Phallic Head Terminal
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Tubular shank with gussets above the rim, D-shaped face with swept-back hair, inset glass eyes; cracked. 30 grams, 30 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.
