Der figürliche Fries der tönernen Urne aus Châtres (dép. Aube) – Zeugnis religiöser und astronomischer Vorstellungen der Kelten im 3. Jahrhundert v. Chr.?

Abstract

The figural frieze of the cinerary urn from Châtres (dép. Aube) – a report on religious and astronomical images of the Celts in the 3rd century BC?

The excavations in the municipality of Châtres by the excavation company Archéosphère in late spring 2009 delivered a significant new discovery. It concerns a partly wheel-turned urn with a figural frieze of the 3rd century BC. The only associated object is an iron fibula the type of which can only be identified after its entire restoration. The present article will deliver, primarily, a detailed description of the objects and the images on it. The unusual composition of the frieze including animals, mythical creatures and a human figure, as well as their realisation seem to be unique among the known Celtic pieces of art. Nevertheless, some comparisons offer, perhaps, clues for interpretations.