Add to albumThis portable reliquary, known as the Monymusk Reliquary, is one of Scotland's greatest treasures. It dates from around 750, and was an important object into the Middle Ages. This picture shows the back of the reliquary.
The back is covered with an undecorated sheet of bronze, as are the sides, in contrast to the silver-plated decorated front. The reliquary was meant to be carried by leather straps attached to the sides. Only its front would normally have been seen.
Record details
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- Online ID: 000-190-000-704-C
- Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
- Project:
National Museums Scotland
Project description View all records in project
- Ref: National Museums Scotland H.KE 14
- Date: Around 750
c. 700
- Material: Bronze, silver, wood
Reliquary
- Dimensions: 112 mm x 51 mm x 89 mm
- What: Reliquary
- Subject: Crucifixes, reliquaries (NMAS Classification)
- Who: Abbot Bernard de Linton
Grant of Monymusk
St Columba
- Where: Scotland
Scotland, Aberdeenshire, Monymusk
Scotland, Angus, Arbroath Abbey
- Event:
- Description: Monymusk Reliquary, of wood, bronze and silver decorated with intertwined animals, which may have contained a relic of St Columba, made in eastern Scotland c. 700
- References:
- Calder, Jenni. The wealth of a nation. Edinburgh: National Museums of Scotland and Glasgow: Richard Drew Publishing, 1989, pp 26, 74
- Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982
- Translations:
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