A Late Iron Age Cast Bronze Head Probably from Chepstow

Abstract

In November 1987 a bronze highly stylized animal head was shown to me in my capacity as Curator of Newport Museum (figs. 1–3). The head which appeared to be of late Iron Age date is described below. The owner agreed to lend the piece to the Museum for conservation. The investigations included two separate metal analyses, carried out independently by Dr J. P. Northover at the University of Oxford and by R. Jones at the University of Wales, Cardiff. A black bituminous substance from horn cores on the head was analysed by C. Heron also at Cardiff; these analyses are reported below (Appendices 1–3). Additional advice was given by Dr H. N. Savory F.S.A., formerly Keeper of Archaeology at the National Museum of Wales, and by Dr I. M. Stead F.S.A. at the British Museum. Replicas were made for Newport Museum and the British Museum before the head was returned to the owner in August 1988. In July 1989, the head was purchased at auction by the Newport Museum and Art Gallery for £5,800 (Sotheby's: Antiquities,Monday 10 July and Tuesday 11 July 1989, Lot 403).