M36

Celtic Iceni large sandstone head

A large dark red sandstone cult head with asymmetric eyes and a wedge-shaped nose; traces of a horn are visible on one side of the head suggesting that this is a representation of one of the many horned deities of the Celtic pantheon.

The Iceni tribe are perhaps most famed for their legendary leader Boudicca who led a revolt against the Roman occupants of Britain in c. AD60/61 leading to the destruction of Colchester, St. Albans and London. She routed the IXth Legion Hispana and was eventually defeated by the general Suetonius at the Battle of Watling Street.

Boudicca was the wife of Prasutagus, the ruler of the Iceni. When her husband died she and her children were raped by the Romans and their tribal territories were annexed by the conquerors; this harsh treatment led her to revolt and ultimately become the greatest heroine of British history to date.

British, reputedly found in North Norfolk, Iceni tribe, c. 100 BC - 100 AD

Intact as shown

Size: 17 x 16.7 cms (excluding display stand)

Ex. collection: Chris Wild, an artist and writer resident in Brittany, France. Collection formed over the past 20 years.

A cultural export licence would be required for this item to leave the UK, we are happy to arrange this for overseas buyers at no extra cost.

Supplied with a granite display stand.

This head has been authenticated by Dr. Anne Ross, a leading expert on Celtic stone heads.