The fibula with horse heads piece is attributed to the Vaccaei tribe of Celtic origin, who settled on the Iberian Peninsula – likely in the central to northwestern part of Spain – and lived off of agriculture. The classical author Diodorus Siculus described the Vaccaei as the most cultured people amongst their neighbours.

“There is a comparable piece in Madrid, so we can assume with good conscience that it is genuine. Moreover, the piece comes from a secure provenance,” explains Cornelie Holzach.

At the time, horses were integral to transport, farming and impending wars. Only high-ranking members of the tribe could afford a horse, and their animals were elaborately decorated. Many amulets were designed in the shape of animals and decorated with animal motifs, as it was believed that the power of animals would be proffered to the wearer. This fibula reveals two abstract horse heads, which was reflective of the Vaccaei tribe’s rampant tendency to abstraction. Both men and women alike used the fibula as a buckle of sorts to pull their robes taut between the two horses’ heads.

But function is just one thing. Above all, this brooch is a unique piece of jewelry imbued with great power and vitality from past millenia. Its intricate craftsmanship and gleaming surfaces remain beautifully preserved to the present day. Whoever stands in its midst can practically hear the neighing of the horses or the soft sight of the goldsmith whose fingers likely became knotted while shaping such a fine feat.