Celtic - Limestone Bust - 45 cm
07
days
22
hours
23
minutes
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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 Gaulish temple head (Celtic) in limestone, from the end of the La Tène period / 2nd – 1st century BCE.
The face features a luxuriant drooping moustache, almond-shaped eyes that are highly marked, 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 rare detail on Gaulish sculptures is interpreted by archaeologists as either the expression of the vital breath, a ritual utterance or chant, or a battle cry.
The symbolism of the Head among the Celts: a cut or sculpted head possessed a major symbolic and religious charge. It was the seat of the soul. The head was not regarded as a mere body part, but as the receptacle of the vital force, wisdom, memory, and the spiritual power of the individual.
Representation of ancestors or heroes: These sculptures often served 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 (around 45–50 cm) was not a personal object or a domestic decorative item. It was integrated into a stele, a sanctuary pillar, or an architectural niche at the entrance of a Gaulish cult site.
This type of work is all the more singular since Celtic art was largely aniconic (avoiding direct human representation) until the end of the Iron Age, when Greco-Roman and Mediterranean influence favored the emergence of life-size stone statuary.
Dimensions: 45 x 33 x 26 cm
Provenance: - French private collection, exhumed in Belgium.
An authenticity certificate will be provided to the buyer.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping fees for international shipments
This sculpture is a votive Gaulish temple head (Celtic) in limestone, from the end of the La Tène period / 2nd – 1st century BCE.
The face features a luxuriant drooping moustache, almond-shaped eyes that are highly marked, 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 rare detail on Gaulish sculptures is interpreted by archaeologists as either the expression of the vital breath, a ritual utterance or chant, or a battle cry.
The symbolism of the Head among the Celts: a cut or sculpted head possessed a major symbolic and religious charge. It was the seat of the soul. The head was not regarded as a mere body part, but as the receptacle of the vital force, wisdom, memory, and the spiritual power of the individual.
Representation of ancestors or heroes: These sculptures often served 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 (around 45–50 cm) was not a personal object or a domestic decorative item. It was integrated into a stele, a sanctuary pillar, or an architectural niche at the entrance of a Gaulish cult site.
This type of work is all the more singular since Celtic art was largely aniconic (avoiding direct human representation) until the end of the Iron Age, when Greco-Roman and Mediterranean influence favored the emergence of life-size stone statuary.
Dimensions: 45 x 33 x 26 cm
Provenance: - French private collection, exhumed in Belgium.
An authenticity certificate will be provided to the buyer.
Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping fees 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
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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.
