Monymusk Reliquary (detail)

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:	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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