Monymusk Reliquary (detail)

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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 the lid of the reliquary.

The roof ridge is sealed by a gilt metal bar with decorated front panel and terminals. The terminals have animal ornamentation around a circular setting. The setting on the left contains a lapis lazuli gemstone, the one on the right is now empty.

Small house-shaped reliquaries of this type were made in Ireland and Scotland during the 7th and 8th centuries. They often held physical relics of a saint, such as bones, and were carried by missionaries. This one is associated with St. Columba.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-000-707-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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