The Tara brooch is a circle of cast silver
gilt covered with sheets of gold foil, and
beautifully decorated with beads, twisted
and plaited wires of gold, amber and glass
studs, stylised animals and spirals.
All of this in a piece less than 2inches in diameter!
It dates from the 8th century
approximately
as does the Ardagh chalice. These pieces
were made under the new Christian influences.
The monasteries at this time became great
centres of cultural activity and were
responsible for many of the treasures we
now regard as important pieces, the
Book of Kells, Ardagh Chalice and so on.
|
