Historic Durrow High Cross - Recreation Collection

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This handcrafted Sterling Silver Celtic Cross is a detailed double-sided replica of the historic Cross of Durrow, one of Ireland’s remarkable surviving early medieval high crosses.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Material: Sterling Silver
• Height: 3.9 cm (1.54 inches)
• Width: 1.9 cm (0.75 inches)
• Approx. Weight: 6.1 g
• Double-sided replica of the original Cross of Durrow
• Hallmarked at the Assay Office in Dublin Castle

Handcrafted in sterling silver, this pendant faithfully recreates details from the original Celtic Cross at the monastery of Durrow. The historic cross contains a series of intricate carved panels depicting religious scenes, including the Crucifixion and the Triumph of Christ.

History of the Cross of Durrow

The monastery at Durrow was founded by St. Columba, also known as St. Columcille. An early account described the monastery as being named for the great number of oak trees surrounding it, giving Durrow its association with the “field of oaks.”

Located close to the centre of Ireland, only fragments remain of the monastic buildings constructed during and after the lifetime of St. Columba, who died in 597 AD. One important monument does survive: the stone cross now known as the Cross of Durrow.

At the base of the cross is a difficult-to-read inscription traditionally interpreted as “Pray for Dubtach who erected this cross.” Dubtach was head of the Columban order between 927 and 938 AD, connecting the monument with Durrow’s long monastic history.

Carved from white sandstone, the Cross of Durrow contains an extensive collection of religious imagery. The west face depicts the Crucifixion, accompanied by figures and scenes believed to represent episodes from the Passion. At the foot of the cross are soldiers at the tomb.

The east face depicts the Triumph of Christ, or Christ in Judgement. Other carvings include David with a harp or lyre, the Sacrifice of Isaac and a group of three figures accompanied by angels. The precise interpretation of these three figures is uncertain, with possible readings including the Trinity or the Holy Family.

Alongside these religious scenes are numerous panels of intricate interlace decoration. Each pattern differs, demonstrating the craftsmanship and artistic skill involved in creating Ireland’s great stone crosses.

Durrow’s importance as a centre of learning can also be seen in the Book of Durrow, an early illuminated manuscript of the Gospels now held at Trinity College Dublin. Created before the Book of Kells, it contains carefully planned decorative pages, elaborate initial letters and full-page symbols representing the Four Evangelists.

Together, the Book of Durrow and the Cross of Durrow provide an extraordinary record of the craftsmanship, learning and religious culture associated with this important Irish monastery. This sterling silver replica brings the form of that historic monument into a wearable piece of Irish heritage.