Ancient Roman Lead Mystery Cult Plaque with Epona and Danubian Riders






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Ancient Roman lead Mystery cult plaque with Epona and Danubian Riders, dimensions about 89.8 × 77.2 mm, in good condition with patina, dating to the 1st–2nd century AD, acquired in 2023 in the Netherlands.
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.
A very impressive and rare Roman/Celtic lead Mystery cult plaque. Rectangular shaped with twisted border and wavy top, plain reverse side.
The top part shows a fish in the centre, four-pointed stars to the left and right. Below this is a square shaped twisted border with various scenes as follows:
- The top row shows the busts of Luna (left) and Sol (right) with serpents in between.
- The second row shows the goddess Epona in the middle, flanked by two Danubian riders on horseback, both trampling on prone male figures. Behind the horseman on the left is a standing figure, wearing a ram-head mask, a female figure, possibly Nemesis is standing behind the horseman on the right.
- The lower part shows a tripod table with three candles and a tall lamp stand on the left. A sacrifice scene in the centre. Three circles (fruit) above a kantharos (urn) and rooster standing on a ram's head on the right.
This plaque is showing the Celtic Goddess Epona, protector of horses and a goddess of fertility. Epona was one of the few Celtic divinities worshipped in Rome itself and was widespread in the Roman Empire between the first and third century AD. During the Gallo-Roman period, Epona was widely worshipped by the military, and in particular by the cavalry.
Dimensions: ± 89,8 x 77,2 mm
Condition: good condition, signs of wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity available upon request (pdf-format).
Seller's Story
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.
A very impressive and rare Roman/Celtic lead Mystery cult plaque. Rectangular shaped with twisted border and wavy top, plain reverse side.
The top part shows a fish in the centre, four-pointed stars to the left and right. Below this is a square shaped twisted border with various scenes as follows:
- The top row shows the busts of Luna (left) and Sol (right) with serpents in between.
- The second row shows the goddess Epona in the middle, flanked by two Danubian riders on horseback, both trampling on prone male figures. Behind the horseman on the left is a standing figure, wearing a ram-head mask, a female figure, possibly Nemesis is standing behind the horseman on the right.
- The lower part shows a tripod table with three candles and a tall lamp stand on the left. A sacrifice scene in the centre. Three circles (fruit) above a kantharos (urn) and rooster standing on a ram's head on the right.
This plaque is showing the Celtic Goddess Epona, protector of horses and a goddess of fertility. Epona was one of the few Celtic divinities worshipped in Rome itself and was widespread in the Roman Empire between the first and third century AD. During the Gallo-Roman period, Epona was widely worshipped by the military, and in particular by the cavalry.
Dimensions: ± 89,8 x 77,2 mm
Condition: good condition, signs of wear and patina consistent with age and use.
Certificate of Authenticity available upon request (pdf-format).
Seller's Story
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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.
