The collection consists of a model boat and a bowl made of thin-sheet gold, two chains, two twisted bracelets and a gold collar. The gold chains and twisted bracelets were probably imports of Roman origin. The gold boat is a model of an ocean-going craft, probably a hide-covered boat driven by oars and a square sail. It is an interesting indication of how Celtic people travelled round the coast of Europe.
Figure 22.11 (left) The Triple Head from Corleck. The three faces rise slightly up the head. Figure 22.12 (right) The Tandragee Idol.
Visit www.dbsirishstudies.wordpress.com and search for ‘Corleck Head’ for some interesting background on the artefact. Note the reference to the Celtic three-part designs. Can you find other examples of three-part designs?
Metalwork
The Broighter Hoard Not many gold finds can be dated to the Iron Age, but the quality of some pieces makes up for the lack of quantity. The Broighter Hoard (Fig. 22.13) was turned up by a ploughman in Co. Derry and includes some of the finest examples of the goldsmiths’ art.
Figure 22.14 The Broighter Collar is the most elaborate piece of craftwork to have survived from the Iron Age.
The Broighter Collar (c. 50 BC) l Form: The collar is formed of two tubes of sheet gold with a foliage pattern chased into the
Figure 22.13 The Broighter Hoard.
CHAPTER 22 THE IRON AGE: CELTIC ART IN IRELAND (c. 500 BC–AD 400)
