Record

Detail of the Monymusk reliquary

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Postcard of Detail of the Monymusk reliquary.
000-190-000-702-C
© National Museums Scotland

Detail of the Monymusk reliquary

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: 0098: 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
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 
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