Summary: Tara Brooch
Key dates:
Brooches which are almost ring like in appearance are known as penannular and these designs were peculiar to Ireland, although they were based on original Roman designs. These have no specific Christian reference. The very finest example of such a brooch is the Tara Brooch which is close in style to the Ardagh Chalice. In spite of its name, it has no connection with the royal hill of Tara where Irish kings were crowned.
This brooch is of cast silver with a silver mesh chain which suggests that it was one of a pair. Both its front and back are decorated with gold filigree work and designs which include beasts and abstract patterns. It has glass and amber studs and copper is included in the larger panels.
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