LLEI D'ART 14

Celts: Art and Identity BritishMuseum Until the 31th January 2016 OrganisedwithNational MuseumsScotland Inmemory ofMelvinRSeiden, SheilaMStreek, Stephen and Julie Fitzgerald Celtic is apowerful evocativeword, but it is a cul- tural label rather than an ethnic identity. Over the last 2,500 years, the name ‘Celts’ has heldmany differentmeanings. Originally it was usedby the ancient Greeks as a label for barbarianoutsiders to the north, andmuch later thepeoples of themodern Celtic nations adopted this name as away to em- phasise their distinctive identities. Organised inpartnershipwithNational Museums Scotland, this is the firstmajor exhibition to examine the full history of Celtic art and identity, a story that unfolds over 2,500 years, from the first recorded mentionof ‘Celts’ to an explorationof contempo- raryCeltic influences. From thedepths of theRiver Thames comemagnificent IronAge treasures such as theWaterloohelmet andBattersea shield. Roman jewellery, earlymedieval manuscripts and crosses, a Liberty tea set and even amodern football shirt tell a constantly evolvingBritish and Irish story.Major loans, such as the spectacular Gundestrup cauldron, reveal profound cultural connections across Europe. Thepeoples first referred to asCelts lived across muchof Europe northof theAlps, in villages or for- LosaMonifeith en formade cruz/ Cross-slab, Monifeith , AngusAD 700-800, piedra/ stone ©National MuseumsScotland, Edinburgh tified hilltop settlements. Although not a singledistinct group, theywere interconnected, sharing cultural ideas across the continent. The objects theymade for feast- ing, religious ceremonies, adornment andwarfarewere both stunningworks of art andpowerful ways to convey shared values andbeliefs. Their unique abstract style set them apart from the classical world, but their tech- nological accomplishments standonpar with the finest achievements of the ancient Greeks andRomans. BrocheHunterston/ Hunterstonbrooch. Plata, oro y ámbar/ Silver, gold and amber Hunterston, SuroestedeEscocia/ South-west Scotland . 700-800d. C./ AD. ©National MuseumsScotland, Edinburgh 21