Ancient British Celtic Red Sandstone Head

An Ancient British Celtic Red Sandstone Head of Unusual Shape with a Long Narrow Face Striking Deeply Cut Truncated Eyes and Parted Lips
Two gashes to the nose
1st Century BC - 1st Century AD

Size: 18cm high, 9cm wide, 13.5cm deep - 7 ins high, 3½ ins wide, 5¼ ins deep
An Ancient British Celtic Red Sandstone Head of Unusual Shape with a Long Narrow Face Striking Deeply Cut Truncated Eyes and Parted Lips
Two gashes to the nose
1st Century BC - 1st Century AD

Size: 18cm high, 9cm wide, 13.5cm deep - 7 ins high, 3½ ins wide, 5¼ ins deep
 
In the late Iron Age Yorkshire was the terrain of a powerful hegemony of Celtic tribes known as the ‘Brigantes’ or ‘the High Ones’ worshippers of the great pan Celtic goddess Brigantia who later morphed into the popular Christian Saint Brigid. The Brigantes were wild and war-like, and as headhunters, were feared by the Romans who were garrisoned in the forts along Hadrian’s Wall. The Romans tried to ban Druidism as they distrusted the influence, both spiritual and political, of the Celtic priests, but were mostly unsuccessful. Headhunting and human sacrifice were prohibited, but also continued amongst a Celtic populace resentful of Roman interference.
     For the Celts, eyes were an important feature and they were often emphasised in their sculpture to indicate divinity. This divine severed head simply fashioned from sandstone has a strange and disconcerting power of its own.
 
Reputedly found near Hadrian’s Wall
Ex Private English collection acquired from Chris Rudd Antiquities 1998
Ex Private London collection

Ancient British Celtic Red Sandstone Head

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+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk
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ENQUIRIES

+44 (0)7768 236921
+44 (0)7836 684133

enquiries@finch-and-co.co.uk