Iron Age Celtic Stone Head of Druid, Brigantes Tribe, on Stand

Originates from: United Kingdom

Era: 5th - 1st Century BCE

Dimensions: 10” H x 6” W x 6” D 

A truly incredible and important example of a Celtic stone head, depicting a Druid from the Brigantes Tribe of Northern England, from the late Iron Age. Exhibiting incredibly well defined facial features, almond eyes and flat nose above a defined moustache, pair of ears, and beautifully carved hair. We have been lucky to bring in a few Celtic heads, but heads of this refinement and upheld definition are an incredible rarity, this example certainly being of museum quality. Carved in the round, every inch of this head considered and carefully carved. 

The celts held a deep reverence for the head, as they believed it held the soul, and held strong spiritual power against evil. The Celtic head cult was a widespread movement throughout Celtic Europe, where stone heads were carved as replacements for heads lost in battle. A beautiful early example of apotropaic folklore created through incredible craftsmanship. The Brigantes tribe, which this head would have come from, was a powerful confederation of Celtic tribes occupying northern England, modern day Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Durham, Northumberland and beyond. A warrior society, built on a matriarchal aristocracy. 

Displayed atop contemporary metal stand. 

Provenance: from the collection of Alison Barker, private UK collection.