Celtic Bronze Boar Clothing Toggle

$620.46

A Celtic boar clothing toggle cast from bronze. The animal’s anatomical features have been carefully rendered including the large snout, eyes, ears and curled tail. The fur has been highlighted with small incised marks covering the entity of the body. All four of the legs are bent along the side of the body while two T-shaped toggles project downwards from underneath the boar. A single vertical piercing is visible through the centre of the body, now blocked. The animal is mounted on a custom-made stand.

Date: Circa 1st century BC – 1st century AD
Provenance: ‘The Ancient Menagerie Collection’ formerly the property of a Cambridgeshire lady, collected since the 1990s and acquired from auctions and dealers throughout Europe and the USA, now ex London collection.
Condition: Fine condition, patination to the surface. Measurements of the toggle itself; 4.2cm length, 1cm width, 2.5cm height

In stock

SKU: LD-723 Category: Tags: ,

The boar was a popular animal among the Celtics, it was recognised for its cunningness and symbolised courage and strength. The mammal was known as one of the most furious wild animals along with the bear and was highly respected. The boar became a well-known symbol for warriors and in battle as it would defend itself to the death. It appears on many helmets and musical instruments used on the battle field. The animal held many qualities the Celtics admired and also featured in many Celtic myths such as Diarmat and the boar of Benn Gulbain.

Weight 44 g
Dimensions L 4.2 x W 3 x H 4 cm
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Metal

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