Our Blog
Boyerstown Ring Brooch
Originally published July 2013.
The Boyerstown Ring Brooch
Just a little look at an artifact and the possible symbolism.
The Boyerstown Ring Brooch was found during an excavation of a 12th to 14th century site that was discovered during the construction of the M3 Motorway in Ireland and not far from Navan, Ireland. I learned an interesting tidbit while reading about the excavation. An article I found said that starting in 2001 Ireland changed their road construction strategy in regard to possible archeological sites along proposed routes. Rather than simply watch for artifacts or evidence of structures as construction proceeds, they have been actively surveying the route ahead attempting to seek out previously unknown sites. This allows provides researchers more time to excavate before the the construction reaches that point, and can minimize the construction delays that occur when they just stumble on a potential site.
The “Boyerstown 1” site consisted of two structures built of dry stone walls that had at some time been demolished. A systematic metal detection survey uncovered 420 metal finds including nails, buttons, buckles and coins. After the topsoil was sieved the artifact count rose to 11,000 items including more metal items, stone artifacts, and large numbers of pottery fragments. The quality of some of the metal work and jewelry found suggest the owners were relatively wealthy, and possibly it was the holding of a free-tenant.
Of course the brooch pictured above is what caught my interest. It is about 3 centimeters in diameter. On the front is a Latin inscription “IESVS NAZARENVS REX I”, a shortened version of “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”. Which is, of course, the sign said to have been mockingly placed above the head of Jesus at his crucifixion. This would not have been just a reflection of religious devotion. During the Middle Ages the “Titulus Crucis” (Latin for the “Title of the Cross) was believed to have worked like an amulet. It was said to provide protection against violent death, or sudden harm, and it or the initials symbolizing the Titulus was common on such ring broaches or and other jewelry.
On the reverse side there are four creatures. Two are stylized birds which are believed to be pelicans. The pelican is a known metaphor, or symbol for Jesus. Pelicans can sometimes suffer from a disease which causes a red mar on their breasts. This is is believed to have given rise to the myth that when pelicans could not find fish to feed their young, they would tear open their breast and feed their own blood to the nestlings. Portrayals of this sacrifice, known as a “pelican in piety,” represented the sacrifice of Jesus. There is apparently some traces of red enamel in the recesses of the broach which could also have symbolized the blood of the pelican and Christ.
The other two creatures are a little more puzzling. They are also bird-like, but on close inspection they have human shaped heads. Much like mermaids, creatures with female human heads and the bodies of birds were a form of siren that comes to us from classical mythology. With their ability to lure travelers to their deaths, the portrayal of a siren along with otherwise pious inscriptions suggests a warning against the dangers of temptation. Thus, perhaps we have here a bit of jewelry that was intended both as a protective amulet, as well as reminder to the wearer to protect themselves from sin.
Comments (2)
Leave your comment Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Fellow Scotsman? Check out some of our products!
- Designed specifically for children up to 10 years of age; measures 5” x 5.5”
- Attractive and classic design; made with black leather and black cowhide
- Snap closure makes it easy to open and shut; perfect storage for your little one
- Comes with a child’s chain strap to accent their favorite kilt
- Our kid size rabbit sporran is made from good-quality black leather.
- It features beautiful and fashionable real white rabbit fur.
- The convenient and easy snap closure and included child’s chain strap makes it ideal for children.
- This sporran is the perfect size for children, measuring 6 inches x 5 inches.
- Custom-order your Clan Crest Plaid Brooch for an enduring heirloom that your family will treasure for generations to come
- Made from the finest quality pewter and featuring an intricate Celtic Knot design, the brooch is expertly hand-crafted in Scotland
- Choose from over 200 clan crests and five different gem colors: blue, purple, yellow, green, or red
- 2 ⅞ inch diameter, its sturdy, high-quality pin back affixes to your sash or plaid
- Traditional Scottish Piper Ghillie Brogues are designed to meet the standards for orthotics and diabetic shoes
- They feature a full leather upper and a wider design for comfortable wear
- These are perfect for formal, casual, or traditional wear
- In stock special – Condition: New
Pingback:Celtic Hist Newsletter Blast from the Past: Brooches & Kilts – The Celtic History Blog
Ronald Ford
Wow! Amazing the history being uncovered over the years! Learning more and more about my ancestral homeland.