Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head

Each with saddle-shaped body, hatched bands, bulbous head, two with scooped beak and two with pointed beak; all concave to the underside. 11.1 grams total, 17-26 mm



Property of a Suffolk, UK, gentleman; from his private collection acquired in continental Europe. Acquired on the UK art market in 2015. Property of a Kent lady collector.

The duck appears in a number of contexts in Celtic art, mainly on vessels associated with feasting. Ducks are also sacred to the Gallic goddess, Sequana who had a major healing shrine based at the source of the river Seine in Burgundy, France. A bronze figure was found at the temple depicting Sequana standing in a boat which had a duck head at the prow. The duck appears to be an attribute of a celestial deity as well. We know that in the Celtic period the sun and sky gods were complicated figures who were linked not only with the heavens but also with water and the underworld. It is possible that the duck was perceived as a suitable solar emblem because it was both able to fly and swim, thus bringing together the elements of sky and water. To the pagan Celts, the sun and water were both related to healing and so it is possible that small votive images such as these were offered at shrines in the hope of a cure.

S-shaped dragonesque brooch with comma-shaped finials, each with a raised ring-and-dot 'eye', curved neck, body with high-relief cells to accept enamel fill; free-running pin coiled about the 'neck'. 15.7 grams, 54 mm



Found whilst searching with a metal detector in South Stainley with Cayton, near Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK, in May 2014. Accompanied by a copy of a British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) report no.SWYOR-279501. Accompanied by an original British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme (PAS) receipt copy no.002210 dated 14 July 2014.

Bust modelled in the half-round, facing male with impressive hair; possibly a votive for a deity. 3.31 grams, 20 mm



Found near Coventry, Warwickshire, UK.