Celtic La Tène, Fibula
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 210 - € 250
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Description from the seller
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Late Iron Age Celtic La Tène bronze bow fibula (brooch) with a strongly arched bow and a long, tapering foot.
The head is formed by a paired looped element divided by a central ridge, a stylised motif commonly associated with facing serpents in La Tène metalwork. The small bows are decorated with a cross-hatched pattern, likely intended to evoke snake skin. The pin runs parallel beneath the bow, and the foot is flattened and decorated with punched dots.
A powerful and expressive example of Late Iron Age personal adornment, combining functional design with symbolic decoration typical of La Tène metalwork. The abstraction of animal forms into rhythmic and symmetrical motifs reflects the sophisticated visual language of Celtic artisans.
Size: ± 94,3 x 28,3 mm
Condition: good solid condition. There is a visible crack to the bow, consistent with casting or long-term stress, while the construction remains firm and stable. Complete with pin (rigid) and catchplate. Surface wear and areas of corrosion consistent with age and long-term use. Attractive green patina with minor mineral accretions.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
Fibulae were essential dress fasteners throughout the Late Iron Age and were worn by both men and women. In La Tène culture, serpents held strong symbolic significance, associated with protection, regeneration, and natural cycles. Such imagery was frequently expressed through stylised and abstract forms rather than literal representation. The integration of serpentine motifs into functional objects highlights the close relationship between symbolism, identity, and craftsmanship in Celtic society.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Attention: due to customs regulations we can only ship inside the European Union. Please ensure you have a valid EU shipping address before placing a bid.
Late Iron Age Celtic La Tène bronze bow fibula (brooch) with a strongly arched bow and a long, tapering foot.
The head is formed by a paired looped element divided by a central ridge, a stylised motif commonly associated with facing serpents in La Tène metalwork. The small bows are decorated with a cross-hatched pattern, likely intended to evoke snake skin. The pin runs parallel beneath the bow, and the foot is flattened and decorated with punched dots.
A powerful and expressive example of Late Iron Age personal adornment, combining functional design with symbolic decoration typical of La Tène metalwork. The abstraction of animal forms into rhythmic and symmetrical motifs reflects the sophisticated visual language of Celtic artisans.
Size: ± 94,3 x 28,3 mm
Condition: good solid condition. There is a visible crack to the bow, consistent with casting or long-term stress, while the construction remains firm and stable. Complete with pin (rigid) and catchplate. Surface wear and areas of corrosion consistent with age and long-term use. Attractive green patina with minor mineral accretions.
Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format).
Fibulae were essential dress fasteners throughout the Late Iron Age and were worn by both men and women. In La Tène culture, serpents held strong symbolic significance, associated with protection, regeneration, and natural cycles. Such imagery was frequently expressed through stylised and abstract forms rather than literal representation. The integration of serpentine motifs into functional objects highlights the close relationship between symbolism, identity, and craftsmanship in Celtic society.
Seller's Story
Please read our information carefully.
*SHIPPING INFO Due to insurance procedures, combined shipping is only possible with a single payment. (1 payment reference = 1 insured parcel.) If you accept an offer after the auction and pay separately, shipments cannot be manually combined afterward. Please ensure your shipping address is complete and correct before paying. Changes made after payment are not automatically forwarded to us.
* CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY (COA) For insurance purposes we can provide a digital Certificate of Authenticity (PDF) for every item with a hammer price of Euro 100 or more. The COA is available upon request within 20 days of the auction date. Instructions will be provided when your order is shipped. Certificates are not included in the package.
* INSURANCE & CLAIMS All our parcels are shipped with external insurance. This insurance requires the following:
-> Monitor the online tracking and notify delays within 14 days after the shipping date.
-> In case of damage: write a reservation on the delivery note, keep all packaging and send us photos of the damage.
* IMPORTANT BUYERS OUTSIDE THE EU: We cannot ship to countries outside the European Union. Please ensure you have an EU shipping address before bidding. No exceptions can be made. Switzerland, Norway and the United Kingdom are not part of the EU.
* DOCUMENTATION NOTICE: Previous invoices and import/export documents will not be shared with customers.
----------------------
Thank you for your interest, and best of luck with your bids!
Details
Culture
Celtic
Century/ Timeframe
2nd-1st century BC
Name of object
La Tène, Fibula
Acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Dealer at a fair
Previous owner - year acquired
2025
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
