Product Description

`The variety of subjects is awesome, as is the sustained iconography of their symbols and emblems. A work of major importance.' - Choice

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #765144 in Books
• Published on: 1992-09-03
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 296 pages

Review
'The variety of subjects is awesome, as is the sustained iconography of their symbols and emblems. A work of major importance.' - Choice

'Green's book will be required reading for anyone interested in Celtic cult-imagery.' - Antiquity

'A challenging and persuasive book.' - British Archaeological News

'Well-organised and stimulating.' - Ancient

From the Back Cover
In Symbol and Image in Celtic Religious Art, Miranda Green argues that only by deciphering their complex systems of images and symbols can we uncover the realities of Celtic life and belief in Europe before and during the Roman period. She explores a number of iconographic themes in depth and examines the tribal and regional differences in artistic cult expression to reveal the very varied concepts embraced by anthropomorphic imagery. Discussion ranges from the artistic expression of animal cults and that of natural forces to the effect of religious belief on artistic style, and Miranda Green argues that stylistic features such as emphasis and exaggeration express the religious viewpoint of Celtic patrons and artists

Customer Reviews

A Comprehensive reference work
A comprehensive reference work from a well known author. This excellent book
is of equal use to those interested in archaeology, art history or Celtic religions.
It looks at a multitude of archaeological finds and how they relate to each
other and what we know of the faith of the Celts. The book looks at a variety
of examples from all the Celtic world and influences and unions with different
cultures such as the Roman empire. After a prologue giving an overview of symbolism

of art form in the Celtic world, it moves on to more specific themes. Firstly
the author examines singular Goddesses and the wealth of representations in
all their aspects. It stresses the importance of the mother cult to tribal peoples
and looks at a variety of types of Goddesses in depth i.e. Epona, Snake Goddess,
Mistress of the beasts and the Mother Goddess. The divine marriage and the image
of the God are treated in similar depth. The next sections deal with symbolism
of the natural world and contains stunning photographs of artefacts including
the fine detail of a bronze seventh century cult wagon. Around 8 inches in length
it shows detailed figures bearing antlers. Sections are included on the sun
and sky Gods and the sanctity and symbolism of trees. This shows us the sensitivity
the Celts had to their natural environment. The author continues looking at
the importance of triads and multiple images and finishes on the topic of style
and belief. I have found this book to be extremely useful and I know people
from many disciplines and view points have found it an invaluable read. It is
well illustrated with over one hundred pictures, sketches and maps.