Galway Ireland

The true La Tene period probably commenced in Ireland only about 400 b.c. The derivation of the characteristic La Tene ornament, with its swelling curves and trumpet-shaped ends, from the classical palmetto, is indeed fascinating. Among the principal objects surviving from this period are bridle-bits, and head ornaments for horses; finely decorated sword sheaths from Lisnacroghera craimog ; sonic bronze discs ; and a few brooches of a very beautiful pattern. Few iron weapons belonging to this period have been preserved, but among them are swords, and some spear-heads; one of tlie latter is set with enamel, while another has its socket ornamented with settings of gold. That the La Tene style had taken a deep root in Ireland previous to the introduction of Christianity is shown by three stone monuments decorated with La Tene ornament which have been found in different parts of Ireland, one at Turoe, Co. Galway ; another at Castlestrange, Co. Roscommon ; and the third, which is later in date probably belonging to the Christian period, in Co. Kildare. The size of these monuments makes it certain that they were carved in the island, not imported. Christianity was probably first introduced into Ireland by Gaulish traders, but the general conversion of the island did not take place until the coming of St Patrick. In the early portion of the Christian period the pagan La Tene ornament survived, the decoration being confined to survivals from the La Tene period In the seventh and eighth centuries a new style of ornament was introduced known from its prevailing patterns as the Interlaced style. Interlaced patterns were probably originally derived from Roman plait-work, which is common on mosaic pavements, but, in the case of Ireland it rnay be suggested that such patterns were not directly derived from Roman sources, but were introduced as part of the general scheme of Christian ornament, which was influenced by Syria and Egypt. St Patrick, it may be recalled, had been educated at tlie semi-oriental monastery of Lerins. These interlaced patterns developed into beautiful and intricate forms: combined with zoomorphic (animal) ornament, and many varieties of fret patterns, they became eventually the most characteristic feature of Irish ornament.

Posted on April 16th, 2008 under Antiques. Tags: Castlestrange, Christianity, Co. Galway, Co. Kildare, Co. Roscommon, Egypt, Ireland, Irish ornament, La Tene, Lerins, Lisnacroghera craimog, ornaments, St. Patrick, Syria, Turoe, zoomorphic ornament. Comments: 2