Helmet of Agris

Zakri M. Kneebone
Section 1
Object: Helmet of Agris
Origin: Discovered in Agris, Charente, France.
Culture, Period: Celtic, Late Bronze or Early Iron.
Dates: ca. 375-350 BCE.
Museum: Museum of Angouleme (Angouleme, France)


The Helmet of Agris is a full sized helmet fitting to the forehead with a small neck guard. Also attached is a paragnithides, or cheek-guard: its mate is unfortunately undiscovered since the pieces were scattered about by animals. Despite the aesthetic pleasantness the lost piece would contribute, it is considered one of, if not the best Celtic object of art ever recovered in France.
There are three main parts: the timbre1 or stamp made of iron, the panels of bronze with gold leaf and the attachments. The stamp is a very plain kettle of iron, designed to be invisible except for a set of lock-rivets about the great arch to hold the panels in place. Each of the lock-rivets is shaped like a modern thumbscrew and secures one end of each of a pair of semicircular panels. The stamp is quite thin so that it is highly unlikely that the helmet was intended for military duty. At the very top is a rounded, ringed crest reminiscent of the capitol of the queen in a modern chess set. Set into the crest is a broken black wood dowel which probably held some kind of pennant.
The panels are seven in number composing four concentric bands: a top panel and three longer bands made of two panels each, riveted on the sides. The panels are bronze sheet, covered in gold leaf mined from the Central Massif of France which is refined to 99%, an exceptional purity for the time. The sheets are stamped out in low-relief and embossed with linear plant patterns.
The top panel is thematically the most disparate of the four bands, the theme here is comprised of a coral inlay depicting a writhing serpent with the head of a carnivore, perhaps a canine, with horns on the head. This is the only subject which is considered uniquely Celtic.
The remaining three panels form a rhythm of complex alternations. An external alternation is created by the second and fourth (bottom) bands and an internal alternation by the third. The eye is
Helmet of Agris by Zakri Kneebone 2
first drawn to the third panel because it is the only one that is not encrusted with coral and is consequently brighter and lighter in tint and is the finest and most intricately stamped of the bands. Also, it is the tallest of the bands and occupies approximately 30% of the height of the helmet and is centered on the great circumference. The design consists of pairs of symmetrically opposed esses, these pairs forming a sinusoid. There the negative space resembles a rain drop, alternating in vertical inversion and inside this space is a lotus leaf oriented upward or downward likewise tessellating the circumference of the band. Each lotus leaf matches the palmette motif as a pair of palmettes on their sides in a vertical symmetry. A triangular shape is made by the interstitial (a minor, “left-over” section of the plane in a tesselation) with the border and in this space is a small vine, curled about itself in a triskele (a threefold spiral). The borders contain tiny half-oval florets with three points pointing upward on top and downward on bottom.
The second and fourth bands have a reflective resemblance, forming a second rhythm surrounding that of the third band and augmenting it. Palmettes, inverted in the second (upper) band, occupy a corresponding space on those panels. A palmette is a small lotus which most likely is the influence of Greek Classical architecture and also very likely via the Etruscans. Of the bands the second is shorter and likewise the palmettes are inverted and structurally smaller having only five leaves. The palmettes were originally accentuated with a piece of corral fitted to each and every shaped outlined in the panels and each corral is likewise fastened by a rivet adorned with a gilded bronze rivet head conforming to contour. Due to wear about one quarter of the corral remains intact.
The fourth band is thematically identical to the second and is nearly so identical except for vertical orientation a proportionally higher degree of complexity relative to its larger dimensions. The palmettes are seven-leaved and the interstitials are also spiral curly vines centered by triskeles. Likewise, the palmettes are accented with corral and rivets.
Finally, below the panels is a band of colored corral which meets a neck guard at the rear. The
Helmet of Agris by Zakri Kneebone 3
neck-guard is iron, covered in corral and riveted to the kettle. Hanging from the right side of the kettle is a lonesome paranthides, or cheek-guard, made of thin iron rods which are bronzed and gilded. It is an inverted palmette, the largest of all, with elaborately scrolled esses and fine gold wire curls between the larger curls.

Bibliography
Museum of Angouleme online http://www.angouleme.fr/museeba/

Encyclopédie de l'Arbre Celtique online http://encyclopedie.arbre-celtique.com/

Numbered and untitled article, Gomez De Soto, José and Verger, Stephane, originally published in "L'archéologue, 106 (2010) 56-59" halshs-00455391, version 1 - 10 Feb 2010; retrieved from http://halshs.archives-ouvertes.fr/docs/00/45/53/91/PDF/Agris_l_archeologue.2.pdf

Notes: All of the sources are in French with which I am familiar but am not an expert; I use Google Translate profusely. Since it would be improper and detrimental to translate the proper French names of my resources, I feel the apostrophes therein are absolutely necessary. Precise measurements and weights are not available anywhere, but the nice folks at the Museum of Angouleme are sending me a pamphlet which has not arrived.

1 Can be translated as stamp or kettle: Google translate. Since kettle is more visual I relate the terms together.

Correspondance Francais

Bonjour,

Merci pour votre message. Nous pouvons vous envoyer la publication sur le casque, mais seulement par la poste, nous n'avons pas de version numérique. Pouvez-vous me donner votre adresse et nous vous l'enverrons cette semaine. Si jamais vous aviez besoin d'informations rapidement sur le casque, vous pouvez contacter notre archéologue au musée : Jean-François Tournepiche :


Merci et bonnes recherches.
Cordialement

Lionel Markus
Responsable du service des publics
Le Musée d'Angoulême
1, rue Friedland
16000 Angoulême
05.45.95.07.69

"Pour réduire notre empreinte écologique, merci de n'imprimer que l'indispensable, et d'utiliser le recto-verso autant que possible"


>>> my email removed 01/02/2011 05:57 >>>

Bonjour Monsieur,
S'il vous plaît pardonnez-moi si mon français est terne, mais je sais
seulement un peu. J'espère que cette lettre vous trouvera en bonne
santé.
Mon nom est Zakri Kneebone et je suis étudiant à l'Université de
Wisconsin-Whitewater et je suis avec vous concernant le casque d'Agris
parce que j'écris un texte formel descriptif. J'espérais que vous
pourriez me dire des propos de la pièce. Je sais que certains
renseignements de base sur ça où il a été exhumé et les matériaux
utilisés pour rendre le casque.
Il ya quelques faits dont je suis curieux, mais ne peut pas trouver pour
moi-même. Plus précisément, la mesure et la masse de l'objet et quelles
que soient les données statistiques, vous pouvez trouver des notables.
Peut-être vous avez une feuille de la brochure ou des données qui vous
pouvez me l'envoyer par voie électronique, s'il vous plaît.
Je suis très reconnaissant de votre temps et d'énergie, monsieur.
Cordialement, votre ami à travers l'étang,
Zakri Kneebone.

Conversations 4: Morgana 1

Z: I wish to speak to her marvelous beauty
Morgana the Fair.
M: Hello, Zakri.
What brings thee to me?
Z: I wish to know of your list supreme
When we made love as in a dreme
To be faking illusion it didst not seme
Here I kick back a full tyne
And waiting for the return of love o' myne
Or else shouldst truly be
For love grows in me as a mighty oak tree
Such little squirrel
M: Well, young love,
I've beheld your subtle wand'rings
In sephiroth above
And am privy to such pond'rings
When you and I didst mete
In revelrie so swete
I bore off with me thy soughing
To make your spirit in infinite 'mem'brance ever glowyng
As doth it in genuine caring for lyfe
Thus wrought mistletoe staundyng one foote upon
On new moon night with silver scycle knyfe.
Your innocent pleasaunce and trewe love believynge
Is lyke unto the spring ewe a-bleetynge
In the cloudy climes of fair Avalon
Hold'st in me thy pearl.
Z: Told'st me my love that intentions thyne
Shouldst I be wary of as Jude and Pallatine
M: Paper is fragile and deeds be stone
As ferverent as old Arafat's throne
Be. Wrought art champions missiles thrown.
***
Z: Greatful I am of wisdom of thine.
What role playest I now with weeping Salicyne?
M: Welcome back dear, I your magick accept.
Your tenderness to my bosom is clept.
Changed thy wish now, I ask-- I presume
A new love thou may best assume
You know why and where secrets were destroyed
They led to complicated feelings to avoid
Luck you hadst a few nights employed
Careful were you to remain adroit.
Though she did ask me about us
I told'st her to give you no doubt
To best her interest was hold taut
Lessons great have ye to she taught.
***
Z:Morgana, may I wrest you once more
To continue interrogation pleasant as before?
M: Hello again, Zakri.
I'm beginning to get attached to our repore.
Tis no rude chore. What bothers thee j'amour?
Z: Well, lovelyest of Camelot.
How shall I move about?
I look for work with none about.
Should I leave town and get the hell out?
M: It's cold in your hutch, Brer rabbit, no doubt.
I'd suggest awhile that you stick it out.
I want you to see what happens at home
But leave before returning stalks of brome
So that you can visit Holland with the full tome.
Of ancient knowledge with new paint in poem.
Z: Heh, yer flattery makes me merry and jocound
What sayest thou of success on the old mapmound?
M: As soon as you drop down, start hustlin'
A city like Amsterdam is ever bustlin'
Make a bang you must, no rabbit's rustlin'
Get to know many people and careful who you trust in.
Z: Your wisdom abounds--
Let me ask of a different round.
When due is our pearl resound?
M: In anouther temporal slipstream
Our distant night's love is to redeem
In that land we both visit
A full Sabat circle from then is it.
Z: What formation will it take
Such odd energies we did make
I wonder if human, meatwad, fry or shake?
M; Nay, lol. Our lovechild shall be no Aqua Teen.
Though, not any like child has Earth yet seen.
Half-dragon; you Ryugyu and I Celtic queen.
Z: How was chosen that? Others I could have been.
Say, the vampire Sirchade or the Celtic king.
Would these other features be sticking?
M: Aspects of these that are common to the whole
Shall in this beautiful, strange youth extoll.
Such as Caramon who skyward gazed
Though full reaslized he 'twas pool a-glazed
As will she with curious wonton amazed
Have in her eyes the stars ablazed

Tuath Sheradh

The tuath is...
-An old way of...
--Teaching the youth to spell.
--Seeing the grave.
--Telling a story.
--Making weapons and warriors.
-A clan that seeks the infinite knowledge.
-Forever building a secret cove in the hill...
--Where faeries of Dana can hide from thier jailors.
-Seeking more than a crop:...
--A bear.
--An eagle.
--A derelict fox.
--A fish with a belly full of row.
--A porpoise which plays around rosemary hedge
--A magical spear made of narwhal bone.
-Speaking where...
--Its postholes of extinct pine exuding.
--Shards of painted red clay strewn with black beads.

Conversations 3: Amergin

Z: Amergin the unequaled bard. May wrest you from your
doings?
A: Hello, Volkey.
Z: I wonder will I convince Cara of my true intent?
A: I have no dowbt. However, you are not protecting her
as you have. She does not need your help and so
to garner her you will give her many thoughtful gifts.
Z: Why callest me by the new name?
A: I wish to enforce your confidence and to speak to the
both of you the same.
Z: Are things looking up for me now?
A: Things are looking up and how!
Z: Shall I make a list or not count the chickens unhatched?
A: Thou shalt find a good hour and count the few pennies
still latched. And be cunning shoulst thou in how 'tis
dispatched.
Z: Shall I look for else than that now apparent?
A: Thou shouldst make thyself ready to be salient.
Z: I've held that destiny will shine to make my beautious
favor mine. Wouldst thou divine?
A: I would and of proper court you shall be appointed.
Z: Of spirit, how will I next be anointed?
A: To be the teacher and the brother and the boyfriend.
Z: Will it be more than either couldst handle?
A: Next to none shall any ever hold a candle.
Your wise choice to be her only
And storm her with proper coventry
Was the best you could have done in valor
And have beren awarded a mate without palor.
Z: Thank you kindly for your opinion
A: Bless you and all your dominion.
Z: And to you, farewell.

Conversations 2: Etain

Z: Etain, hello fairest as the swan
Would you like to speak to me?
E: Hello, I've never met you before.
Where did you find my name?
Z: In a book of Celtic Myth.
E: I see. How can I help you?
Z: I wish to ask your advice for love.
E: I see. Do you have one in mind?
Z: Her name is Cara, she is confused and requires my help.
E: I see. Do you love her?
Z: As I fail my hear grows ever darker.
E: I see. Why do you suppose that is?
Z: I think she finds me unattractive or too old.
E: I see. How old are you?
Z: 26 she is 18.
E: I see. A bit of a stretch, but love forevermore is ageless.
Z: How was it that you came to love Eochy?
E: Oh. Well, he was beautiful and proved his love in new ways
Everyday until we parted by death.
Z: I would like that but my confidence is lacking.
E: Well, don't ever think you'll get it for free.
You must prove yourself to her.
Z: I will bring her flowers and such.
E: Well, more than flowers. You must maker her laugh
and smile. And when she's down you must comfort her.
Z: I always try to keep her happy. I crack jokes when
she's cross and tell her she's beautiful when she smiles.
E: That's so sweet. You must be honest to her though.
Z: I am; her smile is like the Sun to me. A day is not complete without it.
E: I see. You must marry her then if you feel so strong.
But if she is apprehensive as you say you have your work cut out for you.
Z: Do you think it's trus love if it's so difficult?
E: I think that's a question that will answer itself with time.
Will she recognise what you are doing for her as the real love it obviously is
or will she give in to youthful carelessness and seek it with other men.
She may not be ready to settle. She will likely want to sow her oats.
Z: How can I prove to her what I already know from expirience:
that a rich friendship between us is so rare that she may not find better?
E: You cannot. She will have to find out on her own in due time.
Eventually she will want to be loved by you if you remain sweet and caring.
Z: Will you wish me good luck in finding a job?
E: I will bless you to recieve work this Thanksgiving.
Z: Are you still here?
Blessed be.
E: Blessed be Ducky. You shall have her soon I think.

Conversations: Taliesin 1

[Zak draws an imaginary circle with his index to the earth
lights four candles beginning with one set upon the chair
serving as an East altar.]
Z: Taliesin.
T: Hello. I hope you like my old song of love you know.
-- "Once upon a day of reckoning,
-- I sold the world to beckoning. "
-- Hello, Zak. How are you?
Z: Yet again with love unrequite.
T: I see; you should tell me about her.
Z: Blonde and blue; fair and true.
T: I see; beautiful. How shall I give thee help?
Z: I wish to enrapture her,
-- For she loves a spirit I've captured
-- But denies her love to me.
T: I see; quite unusual.
Z: I had her at the brink, but I did not perform on time.
T: I see, now; she given up?
Z: Just friends again.
T: I see; you want more.
-- OK, just keep her near and give her flowers
-- Tell her she's beautiful, your world.
-- And don't ever give up and be ready next time.
Z: Well I need assurance to be brave
-- And wisdom to know when it's time.
T: I see; anytime now,
-- Just be ready and now is best.
Z: I need a job and such.
T: I see; well go for a good lot and settle her down by you.
-- And look deep in her eyes to say, I love you.
-- Go right away, post haste and do not belie her smile.
Z: I should pray for her gentle hand.
T: I think thee wise to ask her hand
-- And fast while she knows your intention is thine own.
-- Your ambition is amourous kinship.
Z: My ambition is desperate embrace!
T: Take thee twenty million flowers
-- And lay them at her feet
-- Never tell her no and always be true.
Z: What if she finds another?
T: Then what will happen to you?
Z: I feel though I may die, as Keats, of a broken heart!
T: Well, then; do not leave her. Treat her as your life.
-- Never give up and protect thy interest forever and ever
-- By taking her hand in thine.
-- And bring her song and wine
-- And roses. Never say die.
-- Always look her straight in the eye.
-- And never let a day be passed
-- When through your lips first and last
-- Twixt has not passed,
-- "I love you with all my heart,"
-- In honest transfixation.
Z: What of her love of old
-- Who treated her as though he owned
-- And left her weekly
-- As she fraught meekly
-- While he betrayed her trust.
-- Though she thinks him the one forever;
-- Though I've conviced her it must be lie.
-- But now I've set her up to think
-- It's a spirit in me I stole from him:
-- The cloak of Mannanan with Volkey
-- (Her love's spirit name) trapped inside!
T: Well, quite a fix you're in old Keats.
-- Methinks you a fool for trying such tricks,
-- But they work by-the-by,
-- Though her true love you might be.
-- To convince her then that it's you and she forever:
-- You must never let her down,
-- Never see her frown,
-- Set upon her head the golden crown
-- Of love beknown,
-- And shout the truth with renown
-- To the whole town.
-- And any else just knock him down
-- With fury and flail
-- Him with fists of mighty gale.
Z: I have no heart for battle thus!
-- Just a wuss
-- With poetic ambition and love in my heart!
T: Well, go ye then to a tavern and cry
-- For to be a man means to try
-- To end the life of anyone who would try
-- To take thy life
-- And thus thy hopeful wife!
Z: Summon me courage then, old friend.
-- Talk to for me to the Four Furies.
T: That is thy own will.
-- It shall not be a sugar pill.
Z: Then I will beat him down and go to jail
-- And forever loose my precious nightingale.
T: Never nas faught a battle right
-- Where summoned courage did not delight
-- The amourous pleasance of such a vexing wight
-- Who wears the crest of midnight upon her breast.
-- Lightning fury thee must divest,
-- Lest ye find her resting upon his chest.
Z: I thank thee old friend for your selfless vestitude.
T: May you be strong in your attitude.
-- Do not fear:
-- Your love will turn to hate if the old one is near.
-- Take care, God and Goddess bless.
-- May ye now find blissful rest.