Small size brasses

Arbroath (code scelt1)

This cross was found in Arbroath, Scotland at the abbey ruins. The typical leaf, boss style applies, but this also has the uniqueness of the triskelle-type cross. Again the stem of the leaf should be pointed into the centre with the leaf on the outside, but this is reversed. The knots around the centre point are representations of rope.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Stirling - Cruciform (code scelt2)

This cross is from Stirling, Scotland and has a nice variety of weaves within it. This style, showing lives woven within the pattern can be found in many places such as Rothesay, Wycliffe, Durham Castle, etc. It is less often that you find the one single strand coming from the centre finishing as a circle at the bottom knotwork. The arms and top of the cross are described by Allen and Anderson in Early Christian monuments of Scotland as being "a circular ring interlaced with an undulating or cruciform ring".

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Cursheen (code scelt3)

This cross is found in Cursheen, County Clare, Ireland. It is a Roman style cross. The cup and circle in the centre are symbols of the blood and body of Christ through the sacrament of communion. Usually when there is a

symbol like this on a gravestone it marks the burial site of a minister or priest. The knotwork on this cross is also use in Meigle, Tayside and the Book of Durrow.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Waterford

Waterford (code scelt4)

This is a modern design and can be found in Waterford, County Waterford, Ireland. The knotwork is delightful and appears to have been influenced by a Brigid's cross formation.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Glasgow (Triskelles)

(code scelt5)

This cross is from Glasgow, Scotland. It, again, is from the Celtic Revival period, but has many interesting features from early Pictish art. The circles are representative of bosses on the stone carvings (half ball shapes). There are three bosses put together to possibly signify the Trinity. The teardrop shapes come directly from the triskelles. There are , unusually, 4 points that have been separated from the centre. Instead of the end of the drop being the centre point, it has been put to the outside of the circle and the drop shape is in the middle. The outer knotwork is squared off and is similar to early Pictish key patterns. This type of pattern was used heavily in the early manuscripts. The four bosses in the corners of the centre square are found in most early manuscripts,

Durrow, etc. and are also examples of knotwork on the Nigg Stone and many other early monuments.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Durrow (code scelt6)

This cross is from Durrow, County Laois, Ireland. Although this is the top part of a Roman style cross and fine example of the Celtic Revival period (around 1950). The cross shape is taken after the design carved into the walls of the cave at Whitby, Scotland. The added curves enhance the beauty (Canterbury cross shape). The knotwork is in the shape of the Stafford knot and is a sign of the trinity. This knot comes from the Pictish triskelle, three arms coming from a central point.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

St Andrews -Tree of Life (code scelt7)

This cross is found in St. Andrew's Scotland. It is in a graveyard that surrounds the cathedral ruins. The vines and leaves are called the "tree of life" and were late additions to Celtic art. Only after Christianity came did the use of

vines and animals become incorporated into the cross shaped. The circles represent raised half-ball shaped carved into the stone - bosses.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Glasgow Nigg (code scelt8)

This cross is found in Glasgow. The shape is different from most crosses in that the normal 4-circles are squared off. This is called the square hollow angle. Your will find this type of angle in Nigg, St. Andrews, Meigle, etc. It is one of the older cross shapes. The knotwork is the a classic weave from the Pictish school, extended Stafford knot. This knot had been doubled.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm

Stirling - Pictish (code scelt9)

This beautiful design is from Stirling, Scotland. The gravestone is in the larger graveyard that is next to Stirling castle. The w shape is a Pictish key pattern, used in almost all the early manuscripts (Kells, Durrow, Lindisfarne, etc.) Most cultures have this shaped pattern in the arc. The larger knotword in the cross shape is believed to be a simulation of cloth. Again, there are very few early monuments that don't have this knotwork shown somewhere upon them. Many times the triskelles and quadskelles were made into a flower shape. The circles are half raised ball shaped, bosses. This design was carved into a slab like the early carvings.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Sweetheart Abbey - (code scelt10)

This flowing design can be found at Sweetheart Abbey in Scotland. The leaves are additions to designs that came after Christianity hit Scotland and Ireland. The Picts didn't use foliage in their designs. Christians added that to knotwork and called it the "tree of life".

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Orkney - Linness (code scelt11)

This cross can be found in a military graveyard in Linness, on the island of Hoye in the Orkney Islands. Although the animals figures cannot be distinguished readily, it may well be sheep at the top. We are unsure what creature is depicted further down the design. This may have been a marker for the navy since it has rope around it. Snakes are a sign of resurrection. They shed their skin, but still live. Most snake crosses throughout the UK are graves of ministers. An 'x' made with circles is also a common ancient pattern.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)

Arbroath - Snakes (code scelt12)

This amazing design can be found in Arbroath, Scotland. This is only one small section of the cross that also depicts a further snake designs down the lower shaft of the cross. The top arms of the cross also carried circular designs of snakes as does the top shaft. Each segment had different snakes on the cross...all with their own personality. Every boss had a different design over the half ball. No two snakes or bosses are exactly alike. The smaller bosses are placed in threes to signify the Trinity. Snakes are a sign of resurrection and we believe a minister was buried at the site.

Measures approximately 5" x 9.5" (12.5 cm x 24 cm)