The term ‘Celt’ originated in writing by Edward Lhuyd in 1707. Two major language groups were used BCE: Insular Celtic and Continental Celtic. Much of their culture has translated into our modern day, such as: Halloween and May Day. These holidays were known as Samhain and Beltane and the traditions surrounding them remain the same. Female roles in Celtic culture were incredibly progressive for the time. Women had political and spiritual power, and some acted as Druids, warriors, and judges in their society.
The Gundestrup Cauldron (base plate)- First century B.C.E.
This was a religious vessel made of 97% pure silver. There are five inner plates and seven (formerly eight) outer plates with the base plate pictured above. A woman is carved on the base plate wielding a sword. There are three other goddesses pictured around the plates of the cauldron confirming female roles in Celtic society.
The Celtic people lived in small settlements with no central government. They were a nature-based people with many deities. Many places of water had a holy association such as: Sulis, goddess of the hot springs. These places were brought offerings such as artifacts and sacrifices. Animals had a place in religion and bulls were worshipped and sacrificed. Not only were animals sacrificed, but people as well. They believed in an afterlife and were buried with many belongings and symbols of status.
The Vix Torc – found at the Lady of Vix’s grave in 1953
Torc or torques were worn by people of a high ranking and were designed for permanent use. Often clasping at the front, torcs were worn as necklaces. The graves inhabitant had almost entirely decomposed and the only reason she was deemed a lady was due to the lack of weapons in this grave site. ‘Her’ skeleton was in too poor a shape to determine a gender.
The Desborough Mirror – 50 BC
Similar to a torc, a mirror was proof of status. A reflection would only ever be made available by waters reflection otherwise. The complex pattern is said to be a lyre and stands out due to hatching in the carving.
https://www.shoreline.edu/faculty/rody/archives/celts/outline2.htm, http://www.native-science.net/Gundestrup-Cauldron.htm, http://www.thehistoryblog.com/archives/37147, https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/collection_online/collection_object_details.aspx?objectId=828309&partId=1