In 1986, an extraordinary discovery was made in County Longford, Ireland, when pieces of a remarkably preserved, highly decorated 9th-century metal object emerged from an unassuming lake. The sediments of the water body played a crucial role in safeguarding this unique artifact. Now, after a dedicated 39-year conservation effort, the nation is proud to showcase its oldest and largest medieval book shrine for the very first time. This significant moment allows a new generation to connect with a profound piece of Irish heritage.
Named the Lough Kinale Book Shrine after its discovery location, the object is adorned with a series of medallions featuring precious stone inserts and intricate metalwork forming a cross. This stunning artifact is a central part of the “Words on the Wave: Ireland and St. Gallen in Early Medieval Europe” exhibition, held at the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street. The exhibition thoughtfully pairs the shrine with a collection of contemporary pieces, including a Viking sword unearthed from the River Shannon in Limerick and the beautiful Ardshanbally Brooch, which dates to the 8th or 9th century, enriching the historical context.
The shrine itself is crafted from bronze, encapsulating an oak container that once housed a treasured manuscript associated with a Christian saint. This sacred item was used to transport the volume for various ceremonial activities and originally included a leather strap for ease of movement. Adding another layer of historical depth, scientific analysis has confirmed that manuscripts on loan from the Abbey Library in St. Gall, Switzerland, originated in Ireland, with vellum pages made from Irish cattle hides. These tomes, brought to Switzerland by monks over a millennium ago, are now back in Ireland for the first time in more than a thousand years as part of “Words on the Wave”, which continues in Dublin through October 24.
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