Celtic Limestone Head

Culture: Western Europe

Period: 4th-2nd century B.C.

Material: Limestone

Dimensions: 26 cm high

Price: Sold

Ref: 5096

Provenance: English private collection in Worcestershire, acquired between 1980 and 1990. According to the last owner examined and authenticated in the 1990s by the Celts expert Dr Anne Ross. Last in a collection in Cornwall.

Condition: The head was formed into a rectangular form possibly in early medieval times to fit into a masonry of a church. Of a strong expression.

Description: A large, stylized limestone head of a bearded man with large, bulging ovoid eyes. The long, straight nose reaches to the beard, the mouth is wide open. The head has a rectangular form, which was possibly adapted later to fit into a church masonry. The human head was a symbol of divinity for the Celts, a very powerful motive, associated with holy places. The heads were formed of stone, wood or bronze and were donated as votive offerings. Found in England. Mounted on a granite base.