Colmcille 1500 Lecture Series: The many phases of the shrine of the Cathach

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Online, Wednesday 10th November

This illustrated talk by Dr Paul Mullarkey will provide a brief survey of eight known book shrines from Ireland that range in date from the early ninth to the mid-sixteenth centuries. These elaborate shrines contained venerated manuscripts and acted as symbols of power, prestige and sanctity. They were often used as insignia of office, battle talismans, for collecting tributes, swearing oaths, endorsing contracts and treaties, curing, cursing, and for funeral, ecclesiastical and inauguration ceremonies. The Shrine of the Cathach is inextricably linked with the manuscript formerly contained within, the Cathach, which was believed to have been written by St Columcille. It was also one of the principal treasures of the O’Donnell’s during the Medieval period. In this talk the focus will be on the decoration, techniques and iconography of this shrine, along with recent investigations that have revealed some details unseen for centuries.


Date:
Wednesday 10th November
Time:
1.00pm
Price:
Free

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