Celtic Mask Brooch Pratzschwitz, Bronze

Celtic mask brooch

Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of the Celts with our exquisite mask brooch!
Inspired by a fascinating artefact from Pirna-Pratzschwitz in Saxony, this unique work of art has been carefully crafted by hand. It is not an exact replica of the original, but an artistic interpretation of the artefact. For example, the decorations on the brooch bow are somewhat more detailed and carefully executed than on the original. As the original was unfortunately not accessible, only photographs were available for the reconstruction. Nevertheless, the result gives an impressive impression of exceptional quality.

This lovingly handcrafted brooch combines functionality and aesthetics - it is ideal as a stylish brooch that adds an extravagant accent to any sophisticated outfit. It is also ideal for educational purposes and for Celtic re-enactors who need authentic replicas for their costumes.

The brooch is also a perfect gift for history lovers and collectors who want to bring a piece of Celtic culture into their home. It comes with a certificate in an elegant jewellery box!

Celtic mask depictions

The mask brooches are outstanding artefacts from the early Celtic period and offer a fascinating insight into the art and beliefs of the Celts. The powerful depictions of human heads on various objects from the Celtic Latène period emphasise the importance of the head as the seat of the spirit and life energy. Finds in sanctuaries showing headless human bodies and skulls in stone niches confirm these beliefs. Contemporary sources speak of the fearless Celtic warriors who were known as headhunters and proudly hung the skulls of their defeated enemies on the bridles of their horses or kept them as trophies.

In addition, the depictions of masks and grimaces often show hybrid creatures with bulbous eyes, noses and pointed ears, possibly indicating the Mediterranean influence of Greek and Etruscan culture. In these cultures we often encounter mythological creatures such as harpies, satyrs or silenes. Particularly in comparison to the Dionysian cult, ideas of transformation and metamorphosis may have played a role here.

The Pratzschwitz find

During excavations on the gravel extraction site near Pirna-Pratzschwitz, the Saxony State Office for Archaeology discovered numerous traces of a settlement from the early Iron Age. In addition to the remains of houses, waste pits and economic areas, the archaeologists made an extraordinary discovery in October 2018, during the final days of the excavation: jewellery from the early Laténe period (approx. 450 BC) came to light at the edge of the excavation field. These precious objects were placed in a small container and came from the "Celtic world", probably from neighbouring Bohemia. Particularly noteworthy were three clasps (fibulae), which are among the most outstanding examples of craftsmanship of the time. The mask fibula with a human face and animal head testifies to a masterly command of metalworking. An opulent bronze chain necklace is also a unique find to date. In addition to these treasures, the small ceramic vessel contained 485 amber and glass beads that formed part of a necklace. This ensemble is reminiscent of the valuable jewellery of the Celtic upper class, as is known from the princely burial horizons of that time.

The site where the jewellery was found was home to the well-known Bodenbach group in the Late Iron Age. Only around 80 metres from the Elbe, this site marks the end of a centuries-old trade route that led from Ústí nad Labem (Czech Republic) to Pirna.

The jewellery find raises intriguing questions: Was it the property of a woman who had moved to this region from Celtic Bohemia? Is it a symbolic grave, a ritual offering or perhaps a gift from traders to the local population?

Literature:
Ingo Kraft/Wolfgang Ender/Gabriele Wagner, Der Schmuckfund von Pratzschwitz. Celtic jewellery from the Elbe crossing near Pirna in Saxony. Dresden 2020.

More information online:
The hoard find from Pratzschwitz. On the discovery of Early Latène period fibulae in the run-up to the gravel pit near Pirna

archaeo | 3D - Maskenfibel