Why this Iron Age firedog is actually a two-headed cow in disguise
In short: Curator Julia Farley selects a peculiar Iron Age artifact for the title of Best Bovine Object. Despite its name, this firedog is a bovine-inspired piece that offers a glimpse into the domestic life and aesthetic sensibilities of the European Iron Age.
The British Museum's Curators Cornered series challenges experts to identify the finest bovine-themed objects within the collection. Julia Farley, curator of the European Iron Age and Pre-Roman Conquest collections, highlights a firedog that defies its canine-associated name to celebrate the cow instead.
This object serves as a window into the material culture of the period, prompting a playful reimagining of Iron Age social gatherings. By focusing on such specific artifacts, the series explores how everyday items from the past reveal the artistic and cultural priorities of ancient European societies.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Julia's Iron Age Firedog That's Actually a Two-Headed Cow | #CuratorsCornered Best Bovine Object
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