Loading, please wait...
Details
LOT 0363
Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
14 1/2 in. (10.65 kg total, 37 cm including stand).
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. [No Reserve]
Provenance
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.
Literature
Cf. Jackson, S., Celtic and Other Stone Heads, Shipley, 1973, item 56, for type.
Footnotes
The cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
CONDITIONVETTING:
TimeLine 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.
RELATED LOTS
-
Iron Age Celtic Gold Hair Ring
4th-2nd century B.C.Sold for (Inc. bp): £975
Formed as a D-section spiral with one returned terminal and widened segments. 4.57 grams, 17 mm
Acquired on the London art market in the late 1980s-1990s. From the family collection of an East London, UK, gentleman. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Bull's Head Mount
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £130
Modelled in the half-round with hatched fur detailing to the forehead, tiers to the horns. 46 grams, 41 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 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.