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LOT 1540
Iron Age Celtic Stone Head
2ND CENTURY B.C.-1ST CENTURY A.D. OR LATER
12 5/8 in. (7.7 kg total, 32 cm including stand).
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. [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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Iron Age Celtic Sandstone Head
Circa 2nd century B.C.-1st century A.D. or laterSold for (Inc. bp): £572
Sturdy carved stone head with almond-shaped face, incised disc eyes and slotted mouth, rectangular brow; mounted on a custom-made display stand. 2.47 kg total, 21 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. -
Iron Age Silver Die Matrix
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £85
With integral loop to the reverse; the design a grotesque stylised face in profile. 4.7 grams, 23 mm
Acquired 1950s-1970s. Ex London, UK, private collection. Property of a Kent lady collector. -
Iron Age Celtic Bronze La Tene Fibula
1st century B.C.-1st century A.D.Sold for (Inc. bp): £104
With wide bow and S-curved tail with conical knop; integral spring and pin. 3.34 grams, 28 mm
Ex M Braham and Lord Alistair McAlpine collections, 1970-1980s.
