Celtiberian Bronze Votive Figure

$537.08

An Iberian bronze votive figure. He is depicted standing, with the left leg advancing slightly in front of the right. The elbows are stuck out, so as to hold his hands to his chest. Incisions to define the mouth, ears, and even individual fingers are still visible, as is a horizontal line at the bottom of the torso to mark the figure’s clothing.

Mounted on a wooden stand. Dimensions exclude stand.

Date: 4th century BC – 3rd century BC
Condition: Very fine condition, with patches of pale green patina on the surface.

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The Celtiberians occupied the central-eastern Iberian Peninsula during the final centuries BC, and are mentioned by several classical authors, though no formal definition of the group is provided. They displayed similarities with, but also significant differences from, the Celts of central Europe, such as those of La Tène culture. Metalwork stands out in Celtiberian archaeological finds, however the majority of these are objects pertaining to warfare, such as horse trappings and prestige weapons. This statuette is more unusual, therefore, in being of religioussignificance. The likelihood is that the statuette was dedicated as a gift to the gods, either in a household or at a temple. Whereas one is perhaps more accustomed to votive figures representing the deities themselves, Iberian figures tend to represent the individual worshippers.

To discover more about Celtic culture, please visit our relevant blog post: Bronze Age Britain.

Weight 11.3 g
Dimensions H 3.4 cm
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