Embalmed heads of the Celtic Iron Age in the south of France

[Jovialis]

Abstract

Ancient texts described that one of the most impressive ritual practices of the Celts during the Iron Age was to remove the heads of enemies killed in battle and to embalm them for display in front of the victors dwellings. An archaeological settlement excavation site in Le Cailar, in southern France, has revealed a considerable number of examples of this practice. It was documented by Classical authors and later by the archaeological recording of iconographic representations and skeletal remains of human heads. Weapons were also exhibited alongside the severed heads. Here we report the results of chemical investigations for the characterization of the biomarkers of embalming that are likely to be present in eleven fragments of these human cranial remains. These results may lead to answers to some of the archaeometric questions related to the subject of embalming in 3rd century BC Transalpine Gaul, thus advancing the knowledge of these ritual practices, documented by Greek Classical authors as part of the wider research into the proto-historic societies of the Mediterranean coastal region.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/scienc...194?via%3Dihub

https://phys.org/news/2019-02-skull-...aign=item-menu

[paul333]

Displaying heads was also a well known practice throughout Anglo Saxon England and beyond, In Durham around 1006 AD one instance is recorded that women were paid a single cow each for 'washing and combing' the severed heads of defeated warriors after a failed attack on Durham By the Scots King Malcom II. Hanging heads on spikes etc was only halted in England a few hundred years ago, as it was a common practice, especially for traitors, enemies etc to have their heads, and other parts displayed in prominent positions where they would be seen.

[Archetype0ne]

Seems like good deterrent practice... "Do not knock here" type of deterrent.

I doubt the mongols would have minded a few combed heads tho...

[JuanDT]

I wonder why the Romans, during an invasion did not use this as a deterrent? Or did they learn from the Celts?