Celtic Bronze Torque

An ancient Celtic bronze torque, of spiraled form, terminating in curled back finials at the ends.

Central Europe.
Ca. 800 - 400 BC.
Height: 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm).

The torque was a large rigid metal neck ring worn by Celtic men. It was a prestige item and a form of portable wealth. Typically the torque was spiraled and open at the front. Of the few Celtic statues that survive most depict the torque around the subject’s neck. The torque was worn by members of the Celtic aristocracy and continued to be worn by Celtic warriors well into the Roman Period.

cf.: W. Menghin, Hallstattzeit, Die Altetertumer im Museum fur Vor- und Fruhgeschichte, (Berlin, 1999), pl. 63, 73.
Formerly in a New York private collection.
Inv#: 8855
Guaranteed Authentic

$8,500

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