Roman Bronze Military Belt Fitting

Statue or frieze fragment with male head modelled in the half-round; circular face with large almond-shaped eyes, heavy brow, thick tousled hair framing the face, drooping moustache and short beard; presented at an oblique angle to the lower face of the block; two mounting holes to the underside. 22.8 kg, 43 cm



Found in Norfolk, UK. Acquired from Michael Booth, 1998. From an important Cambridgeshire estate; thence by descent.

The angle of the face in respect of the block suggests that the head is both tilted and detached, i.e. that it is a tête coupé or severed head. The practice of headhunting is documented among the natives of both Gaul and Britain (and elsewhere) in the Iron Age. The head is then considered to have special powers to avert evil and promote fertility, cure disease and provide other benefits. This is the case with the carved head - a male mask with copious hair and beard - from the Roman baths at Bath, Somerset (the ancient Aquae Sulis) which was a site of worship long before the arrival of a Roman presence in the area (Ross, p.91). The head takes on the character of a deity and is believed to respond favourably to prayer.

In perfect condition with stepped rim, impressed stylised bunches of grapes and concentric circles within a roundel to the interior. 1.13 kg, 31 cm



Acquired in the 1990s. From the Greer collection, Oxford, UK.

Sculpted as a panther with head turned on its long muscular neck, mouth open and teeth bared; highly polished finish; mounted on a custom-made stand. 758 grams total, 15 cm high including stand



Previously acquired from a USA collection, 1980s. Ex private German collection. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.12082-213586.