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. Celtic Druid silver ring, formed from a robust hoop with pronounced terminals. The shoulders are decorated with tightly coiled wirework, characteristic of Celtic metalwork and suggestive of a serpent’s body. The flowing form represents a snake moving over the ring band, with the rounded terminal evoking the head and the ribbed coils recalling scales. Outside diameter: ± 23,4 mm Inside diameter: ± 17,7 – 18,6 mm Condition: very good condition, wearable. Signs of wear consistent with age and use. Certificate of Authenticity: available upon request (pdf-format). The Druids were a prominent class of religious leaders, scholars, and ritualists in Celtic societies across Europe, particularly in Gaul, Britain, and Ireland. The snake’s association with healing and transformation aligns with the Druids’ possible roles as healers and spiritual guides. The Celts had contact with Mediterranean civilizations, where snake symbolism was prominent (e.g., Greek and Roman traditions). The Roman historian Pliny the Elder noted that some Celtic tribes revered serpents, possibly integrating such symbols into their own practices. SNAKE In Celtic religion snakes were a symbol of fertility, healing, wisdom and rebirth. The shedding of skins by snakes represented regeneration, healing and rebirth. The Celts esteemed serpents as mystical creatures of the Underworld and the Druids believed snakes had ancient knowledge and wisdom. Many Celtic deities were associated with snakes. Sirona, a Celtic goddess of healing and fertility was often portrayed with serpents. Her cult thrived around spas, healing springs and fountains in the Iron Age and Gallo-Roman era. Cernunnos, the horned god, favoured snakes as the sacred creatures of his cult in Gaul and Britain. Cernunnos is portrayed holding a ram-horned serpent on the Gundestrup cauldron and on a rock carving at Val Camonica (Italy). Two horned serpents replaced the legs and feet of Cernunnos on a carving at Cirencester in Gloucestershire. Abilus, Damona , Verbeia and the cult of the Matres or Matronae were also associated with snakes.