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On this superb
Freckenham Crescents
gold stater we can
clearly see that
there are V-shapes
attached to the
points of the
crescents which make
them look like a
pair of open-mouthed
fishes. If this is
the case, then the
fishes may signify
either the
constellation of
Pisces or the
zodiacal sign of
Pisces which, since
classical times, has
been depicted as two
fishes arranged
parallel to each
other but facing in
opposite directions,
frequently conjoined
by a horizontal bar,
which may account
for the horizontal
step on this gold
stater. Julius
Caesar tells us that
the druids “hold
long discussions
about the heavenly
bodies and their
movements” (BG
VI. 14). The phallic
symbol above the
round-chested horse
may also be seen as
a hidden face; a
similar symbol
occurs the other way
up on Norfolk Boar
Phallic silver units
(VA 659, BMC
3473-3511). Simon
Lilly says: “Money
is essentially
magical and, when
decorated, the
imagery is the real
source of its power
and influence. It is
this imagery that
transforms the basic
metal disc into a
thing that
transcends its
intrinsic value or
usefulness as raw
material…The imagery
validates the
function of the coin
by invoking
powerful, magical
objects, beings or
events. Each tribe
or nation thus
reveals its most
important beliefs
regarding power,
status and its sense
of identity.” (Ancient
Celtic Coin Art,
p.1).
Chris Rudd's
November list.
27.10.08 |
