Celtic Art
Non-representational and devoid of naturalism
- Avoided representing human figure
- Abstract
- Used wavy and curving lines and tendrils
- Lines woven together in intricate patterns
- Tendrils
- Based on a Greek motif
- Common throughout Celtic Europe
- Used extensively
- Represented animals and plants
- Aylesford bucket
- Ram’s head
- Difficult to determine significance
- If connected to myths, not possible to determine
- Fineness of object more important for status
- Types of objects
- Primarily metal objects
- Probably woodcarving and textiles
- No evidence for monumental stone sculptures
- Archaeological sources for artifacts
- Primarily found in graves
- Offerings dedicated to the gods
- Cast into lakes
- Cast into rivers
- Cast into springs
- Celtic metalsmiths were highly skilled
- Origin of motifs
- Local traditions
- Inspired by Greek art
- Etruscan
- By 1st century BCE Roman inspirations
- Examples
Artefacts
- Sword Scabbards
- Ornately decorated
- Repousse ornaments
- Bronze scabbard
- Shields
- Symbols of wealth and status
- Probably not used in battle
- Battersea shield
- Bronze mirrors
- Finest examples of design
- Shapes based on classical models
- Backs engraved
- Symmetrical curvilinear designs
- Meticulously planned
- Desborough, Northamptonshire
- Neck-Torques