Celtic, 5th Century BC

Bronze

H: 6.5 cm

PROVENANCE: Ex- Leo Mildenberg (1913-2001) collection, Zurich

SERIAL NO: 17660

This striking protome (head and neck of an animal) is of a bull. With upward splaying horns, bared teeth and almond-shaped eyes, this bull is a beautiful example of Celtic art. The neck of the bull is marked with a deep recess where it was, most probably, attached to another element, perhaps in wood, which is now lost.

The bull is a favorite subject of Celtic art. For the ancient Celts, the bull represented the mighty and virile aspects of nature. For this reason, bulls were worshiped as sacred beasts. Although no single Celtic deity was associated with the bull, the animal played a role of vital importance in a number of cults.