Crosier

A crosier is a bishop's or abbot's crook. This example was found in a grave excavated at the 12th-century Premonstratensian church at Whithorn in Wigtownshire. Made in England or France, it probably belonged to a 14th-century bishop of the See of Whithorn.

The crosier head is formed by a tube of copper and has a metal flower-like cluster fixed at the centre with a peg. On the stem are representations of figures, animals and vegetable motifs rendered within a framework of raised gilded metal.

One of the human figures of the crosier may be St Ninian (d. 432), the original founder of the church at Whithorn known as Candida Casa. This church was replaced in the 12th century by the Premonstratensian church where the crosier was found.

Record details

To search on related items, click any linked text below.