Celtic Three-Headed Deity

Culture: Gallo-Roman

Period: 2nd century A.D.

Material: Limestone

Dimensions: 21 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 5108

Provenance: French private collection F. L., at least since the 1980s, when it was mounted in an old frame.

Condition: Except for some minor wear in a very good condition.

Description: Rare limestone bust depicting a Celtic three-headed (trifrons) deity. The bearded face with narrow, straight mouths, long nose and four bulging, almond-shaped eyes. The central face shares each eye with the neighbouring faces. The beard is drilled to depict curls. The back is rough which suggests that the bust was part of a very sculptural relief. Three-headed deities as the present one were found especially in Gaul. See for reference the column and the trifrons Faubourg de Laon in the museum of Reims. The busts most probably represents the Celtic god Lugus. The Celts’ tendency to imagine gods in triads could explain the trifrons. It also stands for the Celts as a symbolic expression of an all-overlooking deity. In any case busts like this are the predecessor of the Christian Holy Trinity. With some color remains. On a modern mount. Possibly from the region of Reims.