Handcrafted Saint Patrick's High Cross, Carndonagh, Inishowen, Co. Donegal

Piece dimensions: Approx 5" across, 6" high, 2" wide. £ dimensional piece which can bbe displayed in 360 degrees. Handcrafted finecast plasterwork replica of the Beautiful 7th Century Saint Patrick's High Cross at Carndonagh, replete with free standing pillars featuring fully engraved depictions on all sides. Historians date the Carndonagh high cross to the seventh century, making it one of the oldest of its type in Ireland. This early Christian relic is a red sandstone slab cut out in the shape of a cross, and engraved with a rich, low relief that mixes Celtic artwork and Christian iconography. The west face is completely covered with a Celtic interlacing, while the east face depicts a crucifixion scene. Quite surprisingly, the crucifixion scene is placed on the shaft of the cross rather than its head. Typical of Irish crosses, Jesus is not depicted as suffering or defeated, but rather erect and triumphant. Two small, separate pillars frame the cross, decorated with various characters, such as David with his harp and a large warrior believed to be Goliath. Today, the cross and its pillars are a National Monument of Ireland and can be visited freely in Cardonagh.