It must remain a mystery how this fine silver gilt cauldron, which shows typical Thracian craftsmanship, ended up in a Danish bog at Gundestrup. Although not Celtic, some of the scenes it shows closely match what we know from archaeology and history about the Celts, though other elements of its decoration depict a bewildering mixture of Oriental, Thracian and steppe themes.
The warriors shown wear armour familiar from Celtic burials and votive deposits such as crested helmets and long sub-rectangular shields with decorated bosses.
Three warriors blow 'carnyxes', the blaring Celtic war trumpet which stirred the blood of the Celtic fighting man and struck terror into the hearts of his enemies.
The man held upside down may be being thrust into a ritual shaft.
