Sequana

Sequana, Sequena, Dea Sequana. Goddess of the source of the River Seine whose healing shrine, Fontes Sequanae [L, springs of Sequana], dating from the 2nd century BC, is found north-west of Dijon, eastern France. Despite her Celtic origin, Sequana was clearly esteemed by the Romans, who enlarged Fontes Sequanae with two large temples. She is represented by a large bronze statuette of a draped young woman wearing a diadem, with arms outstretched as if to welcome suppliants and standing in a duck-shaped boat.

Details in surviving figures imply much about the nature of Sequana's worship. Her devotees are depicted in heavy, hooded woollen cloaks, the kind worn by ordinary Celtic peasants. They bear her gifts of fruit, money, or pet animals. A large pot inscribed with Sequana's name is filled with silver and bronze body parts to be cured by her. Simultaneously, complete bodies, as well as coins and jewellery, are offered to her, presumably in the hope of a reciprocal cure.