Early Christian Ireland

Question 1

how many crosses are there in ireland and how old are they

Answer 1

300 crosses, 1000 years old

Question 2

what were the early stone crosses carved on

Answer 2

flat stone slabs or pillars

Question 3

what were early crosses made of

Answer 3

wood

Question 4

what were most big crosses carved out of around the year 1100

Answer 4

one big rock

Question 5

what are the earliest examples of this

Answer 5

stone slabs, and later the stones have arms with a circle surrounding the arms

Question 6

what were placed near early monastic sites

Answer 6

slabs of stone incised with a symbol of the cross

Question 7

what were later crosses called

Answer 7

high crosses

Question 8

what is the art on high crosses similar to

Answer 8

that on gold ornaments also made by the monks

Question 9

how was ireland influenced by design

Answer 9

Ireland was the only country not invaded by the romans. instead, roman influences reached Ireland through trade with Roman colonies. Ireland accepted the new concepts, symbols and forms of Christianity by adding the new to the old

Question 10

what was carved onto most crosses

Answer 10

stories from the bible

Question 11

why are the bible stories significant

Answer 11

people would gather around the crosses to listen to monks explain about the life of jesus. most people were illiterate at this time

Question 12

what were the functions of the high crosses

Answer 12

-symbol to the christian community of the ressurection of christ - land markers of the bounderies of sacred areas in the monastry -symbolise local saints by characterising them on the crss by depicting the old testament figures with similar traits to the saint -teaching aids to teach people bible stories -displays of wealth

Question 13

when is the reask pillar from

Answer 13

early 5th century

Question 14

describe the from and designs of the reask pillar

Answer 14

carved on one side only, maltese cross inscribed in a circle,supported on a stand of celtic spiral movement, DNE on left side (lord in latin)

Question 15

what are the functions of the reask pillar

Answer 15

set up for pilgrims to pray

Question 16

what is evident in the use of the maltese cross on the reask pillar

Answer 16

christian missionary travels to europe and the east

Question 17

where do we see evidence of celtic infulence on the early christian period on the reask pillar

Answer 17

the spirals were used consistantly throughout the Stone age, Bronze age and Iron Age

Question 18

where is the reask pillar located

Answer 18

Co. Kerry

Question 19

where is the duvillaun slab located and when is it from

Answer 19

co mayo, 5th century

Question 20

describe the duvillaun slab

Answer 20

carved on both sides; maltese cross in circle and a representation of the crucifixion. artist incorporated the spiral into the design

Question 21

fahan mura slab where and when

Answer 21

co donegal, 7th century

Question 22

what is the fahan mura slab

Answer 22

one of the first free standing stone crosses

Question 23

where is the f m slab found

Answer 23

near the Cardonagh cross, co. Donegal

Question 24

what is the fm slab cut into the shape of

Answer 24

the cross

Question 25

what is the form of the fm slab

Answer 25

cross shape is formed by little shoulders in place of arms

Question 26

descibe the design on the fm slab

Answer 26

only early inscription of greek in ireland. carved with broad ribbon interlacing, similar to that found on book of durrow

Question 27

describe the low relief on the fm slab

Answer 27

the surface area of the slab has been cut back allowing the cross to stand out in low relief

Question 28

what has been carved onto both sides of the fm slab

Answer 28

the form of a greek cross with a stem, in a decorative manner in an elaborate ribbon interlacing form

Question 29

how tall is the fahan mura slab

Answer 29

2.1 m

Question 30

what is on the west side of the fm slab

Answer 30

two very simple figures on either side of the main stem

Question 31

cardonagh cross when

Answer 31

7th century

Question 32

what is the car cross also known as

Answer 32

st patricks cross

Question 33

what is significant about the c cross

Answer 33

it is the first cross to be carved into a cruciform shape

Question 34

how tall is the c cross

Answer 34

2.5 m tall

Question 35

describe the decoration on the c cross

Answer 35

carved on all sides into a cross shape. primitave vigourous outline. strap work (ribbon interlacing) used on top form. (greek cross)

Question 36

what is the c cross dominated by

Answer 36

one large figure surrounded by four figures.beneath the upraised arms and either side of the head

Question 37

what is beneath the larger figure

Answer 37

a rectangle of three smaller figures standing in side profile

Question 38

how is the triskelle pattern formed on the car cross

Answer 38

the shape of six birds, two groups of three have been blended with the strapwork decoration creating a triskele pattern

Question 39

how are the car cross and the fm slab similar

Answer 39

similar in many ways; thought that they origniated from the same workshop

Question 40

where and when; cross of Moone

Answer 40

co kildare , 7th century

Question 41

form; cross of moone

Answer 41

tall, slender, tapering cross - 3 parts -granite -has a narrow ring , missing its capstone

Question 42

what is the muirdach cross

Answer 42

one of the largest and best preserved high crosses

Question 43

where does the muirdach cross get its name

Answer 43

from the inscription on the base

Question 44

Describe the decoration on the muirdach cross

Answer 44

All the carving is executed in bold relief and is quite realistic

Question 45

Describe the arrest of Christ on the muirdach cross

Answer 45

Two figures grab Christ. Christs cloak is tied with a pin similar to the Tara Brooch. This denotes the royal status. there are two cats carved in high relief below

Question 46

Where is the crucifixion scene on the m cross

Answer 46

The west facade

Question 47

What occupies the shaft of the muirdach cross

Answer 47

scenes from christs life

Question 48

what is on the base of the muirdach cross

Answer 48

An inscription in irish that reads; ' a prayer for muirdach for whom the cross was made.

Question 49

Who was muirdach thought to be

Answer 49

an abbot who died in 922

Question 50

How did the golden age of irish art begin

Answer 50

As monastic life flourished in the 8th century, Ireland became the cultural, educational and craft centre of Europe. The monks and craftworkers produced magnificent handwritten manuscripts, chalices, crosses, jewellery and many other articles in gold and silver

Question 51

how did the unique irish design develop

Answer 51

Outside influences mixed with Celtic design, and this evolved into a unique Irish style found on all the crafts

Question 52

What was adapted from Celtic design

Answer 52

Spirals and pelta shapes

Question 53

how did interlace come to ireland

Answer 53

middle eastern origin. probably came to Ireland via the Mediterranean countries and Rome

Question 54

how did animal ornament come to ireland

Answer 54

Of Germanic origin, but influence of Anglo- Saxon sources in Northumbria brought it to Ireland

Question 55

what is a manuscript

Answer 55

a handwritten handmade book