this pillar relate to late La Tène design and the delicate line contrasts with the crude surface of the stone on which it was carved.
Manuscripts Lettering DNE
Upturned pelta with spirals
Figure 23.7 Decorated,
untrimmed stone pillar at Reask on the Dingle peninsula, Co. Kerry.
The Cathach The Cathach is probably the oldest surviving Irish manuscript. It was written in the late 6th century and is the second oldest psalter written in Latin in the world. This book is believed to be from the hand of St Columba (Colmcille, ‘Dove of the Church’) c. 521–597. He was the founder of the Columban order of monks who continued the tradition of manuscript writing and missionary work begun by their first abbot.
The name Cathach, an Irish word meaning ‘battler’, was given to the book by the O’Donnells, clansmen of Columba, who carried it with them into battle, invoking the protection of the saint.
Rubrics Diminuendo Pen flourishes Cross
Animal head
Spring spiral
Figure 23.8 (left) The opening lines of Psalm 91 in the Cathach.
Figure 23.9 (right) The capital letter M on folio 21a of the Cathach is decorated with spirals and trumpet ends.
CHAPTER 23 THE EARLY CHRISTIAN PERIOD (5TH AND 6TH CENTURIES) 327
