Iron Age Celtic Stone Head Of A Druid, Brigantes Tribe, On Stand

An exceptional and important example of a Celtic stone head, depicting a druid from the Brigantes tribe of northern England, dating from the late Iron Age. Its facial features are remarkably fine: almond-shaped eyes, a flat nose above a well-defined moustache, and finely sculpted ears and hair. We have been fortunate enough to acquire a few Celtic heads, but those of such refinement and precision are extremely rare, and this example is museum-worthy. Carved in the round, every inch of this head has been carefully considered and executed. The Celts deeply revered the head, believing it housed the soul and possessed powerful spiritual protection against evil. Celtic head worship was a widespread practice throughout Celtic Europe, where stone heads were carved to replace those lost in battle. A magnificent early example of apotropaic folklore, the product of exceptional craftsmanship. The Brigantes tribe, from which this head likely originates, was a powerful confederation of Celtic tribes occupying northern England, corresponding to modern-day Yorkshire, Lancashire, Derbyshire, Durham, Northumberland, and beyond. A warrior society, it was founded on a matriarchal aristocracy. Presented on a contemporary metal base. Provenance: Alison Barker Collection, British private collection.