Celtic-Iberian Votive Figure of an Offering Bearer

Culture: Celtic-Iberian

Period: 4th century B.C.

Material: Bronze

Dimensions: 9.2 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 5103

Provenance: Viennese private collection William Stadler, acquired circa 25 years ago from an old Viennese collection.

Condition: On the forehead and the right shoulder traces of corrosion, otherwise intact and with a beautiful green-red patina.

Description: Massive bronze statuette of a stylized female figure with raised, circular arms put forward. In her right hand she is holding a conical vessel, possibly presenting an offering. The face is flat, the back of the head rounded. The eyes are spherical, the mouth is notched. The body is sturdy and without any further details except for spherical breasts, a notched vulva and accentuated knee joint. The bronze statuette was offered in a sanctuary to the gods and possibly represented an individual offering bearer and not a local deity. Votive figures – male as well as female ones- were found in large numbers in south of Spain, especially around Collado de los Jarnides and Castellar de Santisteban. Mounted.