Lot 21
CELTIC HEAD OF A MAN
CELTIC, LATE 1ST MILLENIUM B.C. TO EARLY 1ST MILLENIUM A.D.
Auction: 26 November 2026 from 14:00 GMT
Description
carved stone, depicting the head of a man with short hair parted in the middle, bulbous eyes with horizontal slits in the centre, a large, curved moustache and finely worked facial hair, raised on a bespoke mount
Dimensions
24cm tall
Provenance
Private French collection, acquired 1960s
Private UK collection
Footnote
Stone votive heads are perhaps the most enigmatic of all the art produced by the Iron Age peoples of Britain, Ireland and continental Europe, often termed “Celts”. Frequently found near bodies of water, their function is not clear, suggestions have included their use as surrogates in head hunting societies, cult foci, or as venerated objects of healing. The ubiquity of the head motif sculpted in stone or carved in metal suggests that the ancient Britons held it in special reverence, likely believing it to be the centre of the soul.
For similar examples see:
“Celtic Granite Head of a Man.” Christoph Bacher Gallery
“European Carved Limestone Celtic Votive Head of a Male Warrior.” BADA
“Mšecké Žehrovice Hero.” World History Encyclopedia