Irish Art{: Celtic Crosses}[21st February 1991]

[Redbook8:284-285][19910221:1142l] Irish Art{: Celtic Crosses}[21st February 1991]

19910221.1142

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‘Around a monastic compound there were usually several large stone crosses. It is possible that services were held in front of such crosses rather than inside the compound’s tiny chapel. The earliest crosses, at Aglish, Kifountain, and Reask (Kerry), are simply slabs of rock with an incised cross design. Later the slabs were slightly trimmed before being incised, for instance those at Falan Mura (Donegal) and Ballyvourney (Cork). Finally, they emerged in as freestanding crosses with arms joined by a circle. The most striking 8^th-century group is found in south-west Ireland, in the Slievenamon region, with examples at Kilamery, Ahenny, Kilrea, Kilkieran, and Kilklispeen. They are characterised by large rectangular bases, a thick cable outline in relief, indented armpits, and large bosses. The latter are placed where the circle joins the arms, where rivets would be expected in wood or metal constructions. Almost the entire surface is covered by a web of spiral whorls and ribbon interlace. The base of the North Cross at Ahenny bears some processional scenes of men, horses, and a funeral.

[– Encylopaedia of Visual Art 3:392]

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