Celtic Iberian Leaded Bronze Figural Amulet Fertility

Western Europe, Spain / Portugal, Iberian, Late Bronze Age (Celtic), ca. 5th to 4th century BCE. A lovely leaded bronze pendant in the form of a male figure standing atop stubbed legs with arms folded over his chest. Presenting an elongated torso, the ancient figure displays a sizeable head and minimalistic visage with recessed eyes beneath arched brows, a prominent, broad nose, and a straight mouth. A helmet-like coiffure caps his head, while an annular drill hole perforates his neck, allowing the fascinating figure to be suspended and worn on a modern strand. Size (pendant): 0.3" W x 1.5" H (0.8 cm x 3.8 cm); (strand): 22.1" L (56.1 cm)

Iberian statuette examples like this would have been placed in a sanctuary or temple - a change that occurred around the beginning of the later Iberian period, as, prior to that, votive human figures were placed into burials. This indicates a shift in belief systems, perhaps to a religious understanding where humans interacted directly with the gods rather than going through an intermediary like a priest. Bronze figures are particularly associated with the sanctuaries at Despenaperros and El Cerro de los Santos, while other sites had stone figures. Iberian figures from this period are always either very clearly male or female.

Provenance: private Eagle, Colorado, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168919
Condition Report: Fit with a modern strand to be wearable. Expected nicks and softening of detail, commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with lovely patina.