Loading, please wait...

Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
Use mousewheel to zoom in and out, click to enlarge
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.

CONDITION
VETTING:

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.

LOT 0363

Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head

Sold for (Inc. bp): £975

Print page

RELATED LOTS
  • Iron Age British Celtic Bronze Cosmetic Implement
    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.

    Lot Details

  • Iron Age Celtic Bronze Boar
    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.

    Lot Details

  • Iron Age Celtic Enamelled Bronze Dragonesque Brooch
    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.

    Lot Details

Stay up-to-date with the latest from TimeLine Auctions by joining our mailing list