Post Medieval Carved Bone Lion Collection

A tribal head modelled from leather with applied hair, moustache, eyebrows and eyelashes; pierced through the lips and ears; set in a later glass dome with base. 810 grams total, 20.5 cm including stand



Acquired Mellors & Kirk, circa 2019. Ian Wilkinson collection, Nottinghamshire, UK, formed since 1985. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D’Amato. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The freak show was the archetypal expression of popular culture, enjoyed by everyone regardless of their class. The freak show was presented to the public as entertaining and educational, offering the opportunity to learn about anatomy and the ‘realities’ of people from foreign lands. The real 'shrunken heads' known as tsantsas were severed human heads that were used by tribal cultures as war trophies or for ceremonial purposes. They were also used to scare off an enemy, using the heads as a threat, or also in religious rituals.

With pierced rectangular suspension lug; three round figural panels to the sidewall each with a nimbate figure; interstitial tongue-shaped vertical panels; Lombardic script legend to rim with 'MDLVI' year; ferrous remains to inside. 184 grams, 62 mm



Found Hannington, Swindon, UK. Accompanied by a copy of the British Museum's Portable Antiquities Scheme report no.WILT-433FA9. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

Bifacial double cross with two angels at the base carrying the cross, applied figures of Corpus Christi and Virgin Mary to one side with an inscription 'CAR VACA'; separately made reverse panel with openwork panels and foliate decoration; made as a reliquary. 101 grams, 13.7 cm



Acquired on the UK art market, early 2000s. This lot is accompanied by an illustrated lot declaration signed by the Head of the Antiquities Department, Dr Raffaele D'Amato.

The Caravaca Cross, also known as the Cross of Caravaca, originated in the Spanish town of Caravaca de la Cruz and according to tradition, first appeared in the 13th century during the Christian reconquest of Spain. According to a legend, during the rule of the Muslim king Abu Zeid in 1231, a miraculous event occurred. A Christian priest lacking a cross celebrated Mass and was not able to continue as the cross is an essential element for the Eucharist. Miraculously, two angels bearing the Caravaca Cross appeared thus enabling the Mass to proceed. This event is considered the foundational miracle of the Caravaca Cross.