HALLSTATT PERIOD, CIRCA 750-450 B.C.

The Hallstatt culture was the main Western and Central European culture of the Early Iron Age between the 8th to 6th centuries B.C., and is predominantly associated with Proto-Celtic and Celtic civilisations. At the beginning of the period, long distance trade was already well established in copper and tin, which formed the basic elements for the manufacture of bronze. From circa 700 B.C., trade in iron also became established, evidenced by the vast quantity of iron swords and weapons to appear in graves during this period.

This bow is extremely rare and due to its large size and metal construction rather than wood, it is most likely used for funerary or votive purposes. Four small bronze loops in the centre would hold a wood or leather handle.