Loading, please wait...
LOT 1556
Iron Age Celtic Silver Duck Mount Group
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D.
5/8 - 1 in. (11.1 grams total, 17-26 mm).
Each with saddle-shaped body, hatched bands, bulbous head, two with scooped beak and two with pointed beak; all concave to the underside. [4, No Reserve]
ProvenanceProperty 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.
See Green, M., Animals in Celtic Myth and Life, 1992, London.
FootnotesThe 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.
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 Celtic Bronze Vessel Handle
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £156
Formed as a double-coiled ribbed bar with leaf-shaped attachment panel bearing low-relief La Tène style scrolled ornament; mounted on a custom-made stand. 372 grams total, 17.5 cm including stand
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 Coiled Ring Pair
1st century B.C.-2nd century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £124
Pair of rings comprising: a bronze ring with overlapping terminals tapering into coiled discoid plaques, coiled wire sleeves; a silver ring with overlapping terminals coiled around the hoop. 3.76 grams total, 18-21 mm
UK private collection before 2000. On the UK art market. Property of a London gentleman. -
Iron Age Celtic Stone Head
2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £910
Sub-rectangular carved head with mount to the rear, elongated facial features, reserved disc eyes and wedge-shaped nose, slit mouth, rounded brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 7.7 kg total, 32 cm including stand
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.
The cult of the human head was prevalent in the Celtic world, being associated with warding-off evil spirits and bearing of good luck.
