Ahenny Cross XP58

Welcome to the Celtic High Cross Collection by Ogham. Each cross is a miniature work of art and is an authentic copy back and front of the east and west side of the original cross.

Each Celtic Cross is handcrafted in our workshop by our master Goldsmiths who have taken great care to reproduce the detail and originality of these ancient monuments.

Each cross is hall marked by the Company of Goldsmiths in Dublin Castle, an independent stage appointed body that authenticates the precious metal content of each piece. Together with the maker's mark this is your guarantee of premium quality.

A little book, included with each cross, will provide you with the background history and folklore associated with each of the Crosses.

Ahenny is an unusual place - graveyard with two ncient and striking Celtic Crosses. The crosses differ from most ancient monastic cosses - there is nothing in the Annals or in any of the other records to explain why they are there.

According to local legent there were once three crosses in Ahenny, but that the most beautiful was stolen and lost at sea. Local legend also has it that the crosses marked the burial place of seven bishops of the early Irish Church. This in itself would be unusual as Irish High Crosses typically living persons and were situated in thriving monastic communities not burial sites.

Scholars believe that the Ahenny crosses were carved at an early date, perhaps in the 8th Century. Our cross is a reproduction of the North Ahenny Cross. The faces have no scriptural carvings but are most beautifully decorated. At the center of the cross are five projecting bosses, reminding us of St. Martin's cross in Iona, and indicating the importance of Ahenny in the past. The head and shaft of the cross are covered in elaborate spiral, interface and fret designs. Dr. Peter Harbison in his scholarly work 'High Crosses of Ireland' describes the head of the west face as 'covered like a spider's web with a single panel of intricately composed coiled spirals'.The faces and ring of the cross are surrounded by a high relief rope molding adding. The rest of the decoration is in low relief suggesting that the cross must have originally been coloured. It is only through colouration that the impressive detailed work of the sculptor could hav been fully appreciated.

Sterling silver pendant and chain made in Ireland.

Pendant comes with a 22" chain.

Ahenny Cross XP58