Circa 300–100 BC. Celtic. A beautiful Iron Age bronze torc in the shape of a crown. Excellent condition. Commonly mentioned as spoils of war and usually made from various metals, torcs were not merely military decorations for men. They could also serve as indications of ranks, status and power. Torcs may also have had religious associations as such objects appear on the figures of Bronze Age and Celtic deities. Designs could vary from very simple to extremely elaborate pieces in various metals, including gold. Some torcs were probably used as rattles during rituals and put on statues as votive offerings. For more information on Celtic torcs and comparison pieces, see Farley, J. (ed.) (2015). Celts: art and identity. The British Museum, 93–96.Size: L:135mm / W:45mm; 560g.Provenance: Property of a European collector, acquired on a European Art market in 2017; formerly in the collection of Mr. D. L., acquired by A. M. in Amsterdam, the Netherlands in 1977. A copy of the original invoice will accompany this purchase.