Late Hallstatt - Iron Age Celtic solar sun wheel belt fitting

Code: 10935

This is a wonderful Iron-Age bronze belt fitting, dating to circa 650 - 100 B.C. It is in the form of a solar sun wheel, nicely cast with an integral slide (for attachment to a leather belt or strap). The sun wheel symbol dates back to the Bronze Age and is connected with the chariot wheel. It is not clear whether it has roots in Celtic culture but the four-spoke wheel was meant to represent its solar connection.

However, the sun wheel was an important symbol and was often depicted in their art. The ancient Celts presented wheels as offering to the gods. They left them at shrines, threw them into rivers and many are found in tombs cast as amulets in bronze and worn as decoration.

The Celtic sun wheel is associated especially with the Celtic sky god Taranis. Taranis was depicted wielding a thunderbolt and a wheel. 

This item is intact and has a lovely jade green patina. A rare and highly collectible piece of art that likely formed part of the harness or dress of a Priest or Druid!

 OBJECT: Belt Mount

CULTURE: Late Hallstatt - Iron Age, Celtic

DATE: c. 650 - 100 B.C.

MATERIAL: Bronze

SIZE: 23mm diameter x 10mm tall

WEIGHT:   8.12 grams

PROVENANCE: Ex. Private collection Florida, originally found in England.