Iron Age Votive Celtic Wheel. 2nd-1st century B.C. A bronze votive wheel (or part of a votive chariot) in miniature with four spokes, still preserving the wagon rim, hub and axle, a part of which is still inserted in the hub. Cf. Danielisováa, A., Bursáka, D., Strnadb, L., Truba?b, J., ?ižmá?ovád, H., Dan??eka, D., Smíšekc, K., ‘Rituals, Hoards and Travellers? Archaeometry of the Iron Age Bronze Wheel Amulets’ in Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica, Natural Sciences in Archaeology, Volume XI, Issue 2020, pp.33-45, fig.3, for similar examples. 44 grams, 39 mm (1 1/2 in.) Found Cambridgeshire, UK. In material culture, spoked wheels were most probably used in personal jewellery, perhaps as amulets or special symbols, as is suggested by their depiction on Celtic coins. They were often worn as pendants on necklaces or suspended from brooches on bronze chains. They were the symbol of Taranis, often referred to as the wheel god, similar to the Roman Jupiter. Miniature wheels like this one were often found in the ruins of sanctuaries, representing the chariots that carried the Celtic gods and goddesses, and the warriors in battle.

Fine condition.