Iarnia (Iron Mail) - A celtic invention, it's a type of armour consisting of small metal rings linked together in a pattern to form a mesh, first appeared some time after 300 BCE. Came to be used later by the Romans, when they had contact with the Celts, and other peoples.
Monicia (Torc) - The word comes from Latin torquis (or torques), from torqueo, "to twist", because of the twisted shape of the collar.The torc in one of the most characteristic and showcased of celtic adornments for the body, and has a strong spiritual meaning.
Indeed, Cassius wrote how Boudicca went into battle wearing nothing but a "great necklace of twisted gold" (which was a torc snuggly around the neck).
worn with or without clothes, the symbolism of the torc is weighted with power.
There are schools of thought that indicates torcs were symbols of:
- nobility,
- strenght,
- status, and
- hierarchy within the clans.
I think that maybe the balled ends of the torcs press against certain meridian points (around the neck where they are worn, as well as around ankles and wrists) that cause heightened awareness and arousal.
And the ”C-shape” connotation…the torc is symbolic of a stylized C-moon – a crescent moon. In this case, we are dealing with a lunar principals dealing with:
- intuition,
- metamorphosis,
- emotion,
- creation,
- transformation…all of these which would play back into the symbolic theme of the triquetra (and its implied phases).
If entertaining the crescent moon symbolism, we may recognize feminine energy. Further, we may also research the Celtic triple goddess concept in which the great feminine houses three aspects of the Divine: Maiden, Mother and Crone.
Each aspect of the divine feminine containing profound symbolism and wisdom to her own devices – shown together with the symbolic triquetra – her forces are unanimously intense (although, there are infinite number of power-triads upon which to draw).
Cernunnos is always portrayed wearing a torc, or two, one in the neck and another on the right hand.
Catubarros (Helmet) - Along with the development of more efficient weapons came better personal armour. Early head protection came from simple leather helmets. Bronze helmets provided much better protection from sword and spear strokes and the designs developed to include front peaks and side guards to protect the ears and cheeks.
The helmet has a dome of beaten bronze with a bronze peak embossed with a celtic symbol design. Hinged side flaps protect the ears and include ornamentation and inlaid semi-precious stones. The helmet also includes a cast dome ornamentation and is lined with a hessian band to make the wearer more comfortable.
Approx. Period: 200 BC
Cladios (Sword) - Celtic swords usually has a stylised anthropomorphic hilt made from organic material, such as wood, bone, or horn. These swords also usually had an iron plate in front of the guard that was shaped to match the scabbard mouth.
Gaios (Spear) - Spears were one of the main weapons used by Celtic tribes. In addition to spears used as thrusting weapons, lighter javelins were used as a throwing weapon. Instruction in the use of martial arts was often formal. Women have been depicted as the tutors and are thought to have been involved in the conflicts.
Spears were widely used by Celtic warriors. A functional weapon could be constructed from sharpened wood but many more sophisticated bronze or iron weapons were used both in warfare and for ceremonial purposes. Larger spears were used for close thrusting fighting and lighter javelins used as a throwing weapon.
The javelin has a one piece cast iron head with sharpened tip and blades. The head is attached to a willow shaft with rivets. The base is fitted with a protective ferrule. This also allowed the spear to be thrown by hand or by the use of a throwing sling.
Approx. Period: 200 AD
Gaesum Spear
The Gaesum Spear has a wide blade and incorporates secondary tangs which were useful in hooking the enemy shields and armour. They also inflicted a more damaging wound. The spear head is constructed from iron with inlaid bronze fish design which would probably indicate ceremonial use. The base of the oak shaft also incorporates an iron spike.
Approx. Period: 50 BC
Scetos (Shield) - Celtic warriors used their shields both as a defensive and an offensive weapon. Examples of 1.0m and up to 1.4m have been found. Shields for warfare were generally of wooden construction but intricately decorated ceremonial bronze and inlaid examples have also been found.
The shield is constructed of oak planks, bound with embossed and painted leather. Lime was also used to produce a light and resilient protection. The long oval shield has a central handle to hold securely and use to give a blow to the opponent. The hand is protected by a bronze boss set into the centre of the shield.
Approx. Period: 100 BC
Carnux (Celtic War Trumpet) - The Carnux, or carnyx, is a wind instrument of the Iron Age Celts, used between c. 300 BC to 200 AD. It was a type of bronze trumpet, held vertically, the mouth styled in the shape of a boar's, or less usually other animal's, head. It was used in warfare, to incite troops to battle and intimidate opponents. The instrument's upright carriage allowed it to be heard over the heads of the participants in battles or ceremonies.
Diodorus Siculus around 60-30 BCE said (Histories, 5.30):
"Their trumpets again are of a peculiar barbarian kind; they blow into them and produce a harsh sound which suits the tumult of war"
The word “carnyx” is derived from the Gaulish root, "carn-" or "cern-" meaning "antler" or "horn," and the same root of the name of the god, Cernunnos (Delmarre, 1987 pp. 106–107). This is the name the Romans gave to the instrument. The original Celtic name is unknown. Even under torture, Carnyx players would not reveal the Celtic name of the instrument to the Romans.
Source: http://bellovesos.multiply.com/photos/album/128/Batoraxta_Gallica_#photo=1
http://www.symbolic-meanings.com/2008/12/17/symbolic-meaning-of-the-celtic-torc/
http://www.scottishmist.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carnyx
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