Celtic Bronze Votive Rider Iron Age c. 3rd -1st C. outlets BC from Ancient Noricum (Central Europe)

This is an authentic Celtic bronze votive Rider originally found in Germany. These small bronze riders were Celtic Warriors were believed to be votive pieces intended for placement in small household shrines or sacred places as some form of offering or devotional symbol to their Gods; many also had a small separate bronze figure of a horse that the Celtic warrior sat once upon its back. [These little figures are commonly unearthed with entire limbs or pieces of limbs missing and it is not clear whether or not this was intentional. It was not uncommon for the Celtic peoples to deliberately break items before depositing them at a sacred spot to effectively remove them from this world in readiness for the next]. This particular rider has one upper limb missing as do many of them, otherwise it is in good overall condition with a pleasant olive green surface patina. A nice and interesting Celtic item, measuring nearly 1 3/4 inches high x 1 1/8 inches across. The Celts controlled nearly all of Europe prior to the Roman Imperial Period, and though at first allied with Rome by Imperial time they had fallen under Roman rule, maintaining greater independence outside of Europe in areas like Britain and Ireland. This is one of the finest of these votive pieces I have ever had or seen, the facial details are good. All my pieces are guaranteed authentic outlets and as described for life with a money back guarantee of authenticity, so buy with confidence!!!