Loading, please wait...
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]
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. Jackson, S., Celtic and Other Stone Heads, Shipley, 1973, item 56, 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:
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 British Celtic Bronze Cosmetic Implement
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Estimate: £100 - 140 (+bp*)
Opening Bid: £50
A nail-cleaner comprising a flat blade, waisted stem and conical bulb with band of ring-and-dot motifs alternating with double pellets, gusseted bulb and ovoid finial with hatching; mounted on a custom-made stand. 22.2 grams total, 58 mm including stand
Found East Anglia, UK; before 2000. Acquired in the 2000s. From the private collection of John Lawton, Surrey, UK. Accompanied by a copy of a previous catalogue information page. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze Boar
Circa 1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £1,950
An exceptional figurine depicting a standing male boar with incised bristles; large head with prominent tusks and pricked ears, erect tail with large testes below; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 57 grams total, 47 mm including stand
Found Dorset, UK, in the 1980s. From Alexander Cotton collection of Celtic art, circa 1985. -
Iron Age Celtic Enamelled Bronze Dragonesque Brooch
1st-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £520
Plaque with scaphoid terminals formed as head and tail of an S-curved beast, body comprising chequerboard and other geometric enamelled cells; S-curved pin with coiled finial looped around the neck of one terminal. 14.8 grams, 48 mm
Found whilst searching with a metal detector near Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, UK, on Sunday 19th November 2023.