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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:
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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. -
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 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.
