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17.04.2021

Ardagh Hoard

The Ardagh Treasure, particularly the Ardagh Bowl, is a significant archaeological find from the 8th and 9th centuries and holds a prominent place in the realm of Celtic and Irish art. Here are some key details about the treasure:

1. **Discovery:** The Ardagh Treasure was discovered in 1868 by two local boys, Jim Queen and Paddy Flanagan. They found it while digging in a potato field near Ardagh, County Limerick, Ireland.

2. **Contents:** The treasure consists of several notable items:
   - The Ardagh Bowl: This bowl is one of the most famous examples of Irish metalwork and Celtic art. It is believed to have been made in the 8th century AD.
   - A simpler copper alloy bowl with a leg.
   - Four brooches: Three of these brooches are elaborately crafted pseudo-penannular (pseudo-change) brooches, while one is a real ringed thistle-type brooch. The presence of the ringed thistle-type brooch suggests a dating of around 900 AD.

3. **Significance:** The Ardagh Bowl is highly regarded in the realm of Celtic art and is often compared to other masterpieces like the Book of Kells. It is believed that brooches similar to those found in the hoard were worn by monastic clergy to fasten their vestments during this period.

4. **Burial Circumstances:** The treasure was buried in a hurry, likely temporarily, and was covered with a stone slab. The presence of Viking Age brooches indicates that it was not buried until the Viking period.

5. **Ownership History:** The treasure was initially sold by Jim Queen's mother to George Butler, a Catholic bishop of Limerick. It eventually found its way into the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin, where it is now displayed.

The Ardagh Treasure provides valuable insights into the craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural exchanges of the time, making it an important artifact in the study of early medieval Ireland.

Ardagh Hoard

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