EaRlY ChRiStIaN IrElAnD The work of monks


In each monastery, each monk had his own responsibilities given to him by the abbot (the head of the monastery). 1. Cooking and farming were necessary for the monks to feed themselves.


2. Scribes produced hand-written religious books (manuscripts). Some of these beautifully written, illustrated and colourful manuscripts still exist.


(a) The Cathach. This is the oldest surviving book in Ireland. It was written in AD 600.


(b) The Book of Durrow. This was written about a century after the Cathach and can be found in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.


(c) The Book of Kells. This book, written around 800 AD, is also kept in Trinity College library. It is a copy of the four gospels and each page is highly decorated.


These manuscripts were written on vellum (calf skin) or parchment (sheepskin). The monks made quills (pens) from goose feathers and they made ink from plants and powdered coloured stones.


(a) The Ardagh and the Derrynaflan Chalices. A chalice is the cup used during Mass. (b) The Cross of Cong. This was used in religious processions.


(c) Reliquaries were boxes that held important relics (objects) connected to saints. One important reliquary is St Patrick’s Bell Shrine.


(d) The Tara Brooch is a highly decorated brooch used to tie the cloak of an important Celtic person. The decoration on these objects was made by twisting very thin wires of gold and silver into designs. This method of decoration is called filigree. The monks also used precious stones and gold leaf.


✣ By the way


The word ‘manuscript’ comes from the latin manus = hand and scribere = to write


✣ By the way


The name Cathach means ‘battle book’ as it was brought into battles for good luck by the O’Donnell clan.


3. Other monks were responsible for making objects from metal. They used the Celtic designs similar to those of La Tène. The most famous surviving pieces of metalwork are:


✣ By the way


These ornaments are now in the National Museum of Ireland


3


Fig 3.19 Ardagh Chalice showing detailed filigree.


Fig 3.17 Ardagh Chalice. Why do you think it was important for the monks to design such beautiful pieces of art?


Fig 3.18 St Patrick’s Bell Shrine from County Armagh.


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