|
Birkenfeld Museum
At the beginning of the Latène Age, around the year 500 BC, a
wholly new style of art evolved within the Celtic tribes of
Central Europe, going far beyond the existing one. This "new"
style is expressed in a multitude of unique ornaments and motifs,
which are not only found on the jewelry and the especially
valuable weapons of the ruling upper class, but were used on
everyday objects as well. The style that emerged in that era is
described as "Celtic style" in art history, borne by independent
masterpieces and iconography, which were quite obviously inspired
by themes from Celtic mythology. The Hunsrück-Eifel region played
a markedly progressive role here. Among experts there is even
mention of the "Hunsrück-Eifel culture", which underscores the
cultural significance of the region at that time. The
esthetically persuasive, generally very valuable works of art, as
well as the finely worked gold-smithery
from the elite graves, also prove the economic prosperity of
the Hunsrück-Eifel region during this era. An example of this is
the "princely tomb" near the village of Schwarzenbach (Hunsrück)
with art objects in the early Celtic style, from the years 450-375 BC,
or the grave of the "Princess" from Waldalgesheim (Nahe Valley)
with unique pieces of jewelry from around 325 BC in tendril style.
Photo: We see two bronze Celtic beaked flagons from the museum,
so called because of their long mouths. The shape and manufacturing
technique of these jugs were adopted by the Celts from the Etruscans.
|
|
|
|