Celtic Art Symbols and Types

Hanging Bowls – These are art pieces that were created by Celtic artisans during the British Dark Ages, which is the period that starts by the end of Roman occupation in 410 AD and the beginning of Anglo-Saxon conquest during the 7th century. The bowls are usually made out of bronze materials that are beaten to thin sheets. Its profile is typically cauldron-shaped with 6-12 inch diameter. The sophisticated ornaments of the Celtic hanging bowls are typically enamelled and adopt the spiral motif in their design.

Carpet Page – It is an illuminated manuscript that is adorned with ornamentations associated to Insular art. These pages feature distinct Celtic designs that are dominated by geometrical symbols and interspersed with animal symbols. Conforming to the tradition of Hiberno-Saxon, the carpet page was a standard element of Gospel books and was typically used as the cover page of each of the four Gospels. The earliest known carpet page is the Bobbio Orosius from the 7th century.

High Cross – This tall standing cross is a stone artefact that usually adopts the Celtic cross design. It features not only abstract elements in carved relief but also intricate multi-scene design schemes, especially the crucifixions. The high cross dominated the landscape of Great Britain and Ireland during the early part of the Middle Ages. High crosses are typically of Insular descent and the majority of those that still exist in Great Britain today are found in areas where Celtic Christianity has a strong influence. 7th century high crosses are found in Ireland, Wales, Scotland and other areas in Great Britain.

Pictish Stone – These Celtic artefacts are popularly known as monumental stelae that are found in Scotland, particularly along the northern tip of the Clyde-Forth line. These stones, which are generally believed to be personal memorials, are the most visible evidence of the ancient Scottish tribes that inhabited the area during the 6th century until the 9th century, and which later became northern and eastern Scotland.

Celtic art is typically ornamental. It rarely adopts straight lines in its design elements and uses symmetry on few occasions. It does not imitate the nature central of the classical tradition. It predominantly features complex and intricate symbols and forms. Celtic art features a rich collection of styles with strong influence of other cultures, as reflected in their key patterns, zoomorphic, human figures, plant forms, spirals and knot works.

M.A.H.