Detail of the Monymusk reliquary

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This 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 one side of the reliquary.

Originally the reliquary had a strap-end on either side, from which ran a leather carrying strap. Only one of the strap-ends survives, with its red and yellow enamel decoration.

On special occasions the reliquary would have carried by its keeper, suspended by the leather strap around his neck.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-702-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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