Spain (Celtiberian Iberia)

Detailed Stylistic, Technical, and Historical Analysis of the 2nd Century BCE Celtiberian Leaded Bronze and Silver-Inlaid Belt Clasp

3013

Date Created: 2nd century BCE (c. 200–100 BCE). Period: The La Tène / Iron Age period in Europe, specifically reflecting the unique syncretic development of Celtic artistic traditions within the Iberian Peninsula (Pre-Roman Iron Age of Hispania), contemporaneous with the expansion of Celtiberian cultures and regional metallurgical mastery.

Military Dress and Status Display: Designed as a functional fastener for a soldier’s heavy leather belt. Small contemporary figurines depicting warriors wearing similar prominent clasps indicate that it served as both functional military equipment and a badge of warrior rank, ethnic identity, and personal prestige.