Raghnall Ó Floinn

Irish Shrines and Reliquaries of the Middle Ages

Dublin 1994.

Stron 46. Papier kredowy.

31 czarno-białych i 19 kolorowych reprodukcji/zdjęć

IRISH SHRINES & RELIQUARIES OF THE MIDDLE AGES In today's world it is difficult to imagine the power that relics, shrines and sacred images exerted over the medieval mind. The use of relics in Ireland dates to the introduction of Christianity, the earliest recorded being those of the early martyrs and saints. Some relics consisted of parts of the remains of certain 'holy' individuals, while others were objects used by or associated with these people during their lifetime. They were usually kept in specially made reliquaries or shrines, most of which could be carried about. Apart from their symbolic and devotional function, relics were used to effect miraculous cures, to swear oaths, as battle talismans, or were carried on circuit by clerics to promulgate the laws of a particular religious foundation. In this book Raghnall 0 Floinn examines the remarkable collection of reliquaries and shrines in the National Museum of Ireland, many of which have survived centuries of destruction and damage, warfare and neglect. He traces the history of relics in Ireland, the traditions associated with them, and their social and historical importance. Raghnall (3 Floinn is an Assistant Keeper in the Irish Antiquities Division of the National Museum of Ireland. He has written and lectured extensively on various aspects of Irish metalwork of the Middle Ages and is editor ofthe Journal of Irish Archaeology.

CONTENTS

THE CULT OF RELICS IN IRELAND 5

THE USE OF RELICS 11

TYPES OF RELICS 14

INSCRIPTIONS 38

NAMES OF RELICS 41

PRESERVATION OF RELICS 42

FAMILIES ASSOCIATED WITH SURVIVING RELIQUARIES 45

Select bibliography 46