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Contrary to popular belief the
Image of the Greenman does not originate in Celtic culture. It
is part of the roman tradition of sculpture, and was imported
north.
The image became popular in the
Medieval period, when foliated heads were commonly attached to
churches: exterior
or interior, it was
featured
on capitals, corbels, choir stalls, bench ends, fonts,
screens, roof bosses - indeed, any surface open to
ornamentation.
It died out with the
Reformation, but was later picked up by the Victorians and
associated with the Celtic Revival and so "Celt-ified'.
The idea of a forest deity is common to many cultures.
The Greenman is also associated,
especially in England, with Jack-in-the-green - a traditional
figure from May Day celebrations who was generally swathed in
garlands or leafy boughs. Some were involved in mock
sacrifice, where the leafy framework was thrown or ducked into
a pond or river (sometimes with the person still inside it).
This particular depiction is
based on one from a fountain found on the island of Murano,
Italy.
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Purchase
now on 
This
piece is strung with onyx and pearl but is also available with
a silver chain
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