Monks
and
Stone
Some monks studied...
why Stone?
The carved stones are decorated with Celtic designs and often show scenes from the Bible. We think the stories on these stones were probably used to teach Christianity.
Early Christian Ireland
- Stone Crosses/ High Crosses
High crosses
were important symbols
in early Christian Ireland.
Stone has always been important
in Britain and Ireland.
Explain????
They are usually found
outside a monastery.
...arrived in Britain and Ireland
from Central Europe
(in around 500 BC)...
Irish High Crosses
...they brought
their language
and culture.
When the Celts-
who were well-known
for being fierce warriors...
Life was very different
in Celtic and Medieval
Ireland and Britain...
Detail from Portrait of John page, Book of Kells
As well as worship and prayer,
each monk had a role
within the monastery.
The decoration carved into them seems to be inspired by metal objects from the time.
...and others
made beautiful
works of art in
metal and stone.
...some wove cloth...
…many monks spent
their whole lives
copying manuscripts...
...some cooked...
...some farmed...
The triple-spiral decoration on the South Cross at Ahenny in Co. Tipperary can also be seen in the ‘Tara’ brooch and the Book of Kells.
The Celts were a Pagan people.
Nature and animals were very important to the Celts and featured greatly in their art and craft.
When Christianity arrived in Ireland, some of the Celtic designs that people were familiar with were then used to tell Bible stories and tell people about Christianity.
The Celts believed that every tree, bush, flower and river had a God living in it, and animals were important symbols.