Celtic - Limestone Bust - 45 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 6,100 - € 6,800
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Description from the seller
This sculpture is a votive temple head from a Gaulish (Celtic) stone temple, from the Late La Tène period / 2nd–1st century BCE.
The face features a prominent downward-curving moustache, almond-shaped eyes with very pronounced lids, a prominent nose, and curly or braided hair. These characteristics form the stylistic stereotypes of representations of Gaulish warriors or high-ranking notables.
The open mouth: this detail, rare in Gaulish sculptures, is interpreted by archaeologists as either the expression of the vital breath, a ritual utterance/sung chant, or the war cry.
The head’s symbolism among the Celts: the severed or sculpted head carried major symbolic and religious significance. It was considered the seat of the soul. The head was not seen as a mere limb but as the receptacle of the individual's vital force, wisdom, memory, and spiritual power.
Representation of ancestors or heroes: these sculptures were often used as votive figures in sanctuaries (such as those discovered at Entremont or Roquepertuse in southern France) to honor a heroic leader, a deceased ancestor, or a protective deity.
A piece of this size (about 45–50 cm) was not a personal or domestically decorative object. It was integrated into a stele, a shrine pillar, or an architectural niche at the entrance of a Gaulish sacred site.
This type of work is especially unique because Celtic art was largely aniconic (avoiding direct human representation) until the end of the Iron Age, when Greco-Roman and Mediterranean influence fostered the emergence of life-size stone statuary.
Dimensions: 45 x 33 x 26 cm
Provenance: - French private collection, exhumed in Belgium.
A certificate of authenticity will be issued to the buyer.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping cost for international shipments.
This sculpture is a votive temple head from a Gaulish (Celtic) stone temple, from the Late La Tène period / 2nd–1st century BCE.
The face features a prominent downward-curving moustache, almond-shaped eyes with very pronounced lids, a prominent nose, and curly or braided hair. These characteristics form the stylistic stereotypes of representations of Gaulish warriors or high-ranking notables.
The open mouth: this detail, rare in Gaulish sculptures, is interpreted by archaeologists as either the expression of the vital breath, a ritual utterance/sung chant, or the war cry.
The head’s symbolism among the Celts: the severed or sculpted head carried major symbolic and religious significance. It was considered the seat of the soul. The head was not seen as a mere limb but as the receptacle of the individual's vital force, wisdom, memory, and spiritual power.
Representation of ancestors or heroes: these sculptures were often used as votive figures in sanctuaries (such as those discovered at Entremont or Roquepertuse in southern France) to honor a heroic leader, a deceased ancestor, or a protective deity.
A piece of this size (about 45–50 cm) was not a personal or domestically decorative object. It was integrated into a stele, a shrine pillar, or an architectural niche at the entrance of a Gaulish sacred site.
This type of work is especially unique because Celtic art was largely aniconic (avoiding direct human representation) until the end of the Iron Age, when Greco-Roman and Mediterranean influence fostered the emergence of life-size stone statuary.
Dimensions: 45 x 33 x 26 cm
Provenance: - French private collection, exhumed in Belgium.
A certificate of authenticity will be issued to the buyer.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping cost for international shipments.
Details
Stone type
Limestone
Culture
Celtic
Era
Before 1400
Country of origin
France
Century/timeframe
II-Ier siecle AV JC
Acquired from
Private collection
Material
Stone
Year acquired
2025
Title of artwork
Sculpture d'autel d'une tete votive d'un Gaulois Celte temple
Country acquired from
France
Signature
Not signed
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Condition
Excellent condition
Height
45 cm
Width
33 cm
Depth
26 cm
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.
