Celtic Northern British Sandstone Head, 1st-3rd Century A.D.
carved red sandstone
h: 11 in / 30 cm
Possibly a deity, the oval face tapering to a narrow chin, the almond-shaped eyes set within shallow recessed eye sockets, the straight linear mouth slightly down-turned at the edges, with a narrow neck.
According to early literary sources, the Celts of Northern Europe worshipped the human head as a repository of spiritual
power and energy. Heads similar to the present example have been found across northern England, particularly in the context of shrines associated with springs and in riverbeds.
According to early literary sources, the Celts of Northern Europe worshipped the human head as a repository of spiritual
power and energy. Heads similar to the present example have been found across northern England, particularly in the context of shrines associated with springs and in riverbeds.
Provenance
Bonhams, London 1.12.2020, lot 121Private collection, UK, acquired in the early 1980s from Rosebery's auction, London.
London art market.
Join our mailing list
* denotes required fields
We will process the personal data you have supplied in accordance with our privacy policy (available on request). You can unsubscribe or change your preferences at any time by clicking the link in our emails.