A carved monolith representing the figure of a Warrior [2nd Iron Age, pre-Roman, 1th century AC], standing erect and still. It was found with another similar piece, probably in the 18th century [two more headless statues were found subsequently, in the 20th century] in the large Lesenho castrum (pre-Roman fortification), [at an altitude of 1075 metres] in Campos, parish of S. Salvador de Viveiro, Municipality of Boticas. This site is regarded as the most important Lusitanian castrum in Portugal and has been classified as a site of public interest (D.R. n.º 29/90 of 17 July).The warrior is clothed in a sagum, a military cloak, abundantly decorated with geometric motifs of chains of concentric circles and checks, cut low in a V and with short sleeves. Around the waist is a broad belt with four parallel ribs.The head is in proportion, with short hair revealing the ears, and is moustached and bearded.He is bearing the following weapons: "caetra" a short shield, round and flat [a typical round shield], with a boss, decorated with a labyrinth design, held on the forearm of the left hand by means of crossed straps; in the right hand he holds a short, triangular dagger with a discoid pommel, inserted in a sheath with a rounded form for the blade and transverse lines, possibly from cross-bands.Around the neck is a torque [or torc, a necklace of twisted metal, typically worn by Warriors of the period], with an opening, and, on each arm, a viriae, or bracelet, with three bands.The Galician Warrior is the best exponent of National Archeology and represents, according to experts in this area, the Divine image and the warlike nature of the pre-Roman civilisations that formerly dwelt in this region.The four statues of Galician Warriors that were discovered in the imposing Lesenho Castro are currently in Lisbon, in the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia e Etnologia (National Museum of Archeology and Ethnology), where the two in the best state of preservation form the focal point, the real masterpiece, of the Museum.
Location: Boticas
Location: Boticas
