Celtic High Cross | Unusual Cross 
The Cross of King Arthur, or the arthurian cross. Also on our unusual cross page is the mystic cross, a cross with a double crioux. Finally we have an unusual Celtic, Egyption, cross.  We at least 60 Celtic crosses in our collection. This page includes an essay on the high cross.
 
 
If you like any of our Celtic high cross designs, but would like an origional design, feel free to contact us from our home page.
 
A Celtic high cross is a cross that is of the highest standard. The Arthurian cross for example. You can also find many Celtic high cross designs on page 6.
 
Celtic Cross ($3.00) (Item Code : SC55)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Celtic Arthurian Cross ($3.00) (Item code: SC56)

 

 

Unusual Cross ($3.00) (Item Code: SC57)

 

 

Celtic Ank 1 ($3.00) (Item Code: SC58)
The ank is a sacred symbol of the egyptions. This Celtic tattoo ank is a variation of the origional egyption ank. 

 

 

 

 

High Cross
A High Cross is a standing cross with a circle. It is made of stone which is often decorated with ornaments. High Crosses have existed from the 7th century in Ireland, and later in Scotland and Wales; the Irish High Cross has become more famous because of its shape (standing cross with a ring around it) and ornamentation (decoration).

The ring origionally served to strengthen the head and the arms of the High Cross, but soon it became a decorative feature as well. High Crosses were status symbols for a monasteries or for a sponsor or patrons.

The early 8th century crosses had only geometric motifs until the 9th century through the tenth century when biblical scenes were carved on the crosses. After the 12th century there were no high crosses.

 
 
Fameous High Crosses
 
  • Muiredach's Cross and West Cross at Monasterboice, County Louth, Ireland
  • Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise, IrelandA High Cross is a standing cross with a circle, made of stone and often richly ornamented. High Crosses exist from the 7th century in Ireland, and were later seen in Scotland and in Wales; the Irish High Cross has become more famous because of its distinctive shape (the ringed Celtic Cross), the amount of ornamentation, and for the quality of their decoration.
  • Saint Tola's High Cross
  • A 12th century cross at Dysert O'Dea near O'Dea Castle showing Christ and a bishop carved in high relief on the east side, with geometric motifs and animal ornament on the other sides. On the west side of the base are shown the Temptation, with Adam and Eve beneath the tree of knowledge, while on the north side is some ceremony with several figures holding croziers. This is a particularly finely preserved twelfth-century example.
  • Ahenny High Crosses
  • The two sandstone Ahenny crosses date from the 8th to 9th century

 


Early Ringed High Crosses 

 

  • At Ahenny, County Tipperary, near the Kilkenny border
  • Monastic site of Kilclispeen, or the church of St. Crispen
  • Ardboe Cross
  • An 8th century cross near Kildalton, Island of Islay Scotland.
  • The Ruthwell Cross from Scotland, 8th century, with relatively large figures.
  • A 10th century cross near Cookstown, eroded, showing 22 panels with scenes from the Old and New Testaments.
  • Cross of the Scriptures, Clonmacnoise
    The original 9th century cross is housed in a museum, but a copy stands on the original site.
  • North Cross, Clonmacnoise
  • South Cross, Clonmacnoise
  • St. Kevin's Cross, Glendalough
  • A 12th century cross, well preserved, made of granite.
  • South Cross, Kells, County Meath
    The South Cross is the best preserved of several 10th century crosses.
  • Doorty Cross, Kilfenora, County Clare. 12th century.
    Has a bishop and two other clerics carved on it.
  • Three crosses at Kilkieran, County Tipperary
    Plain Cross (unadorned), West Cross (with much ornamentation), Long Shaft Cross (has a long shaft with decoration).
  • Moone High Crosses (2)
    County Kildare near Moone
    The large cross is believed to have been carved between 900 and 1000 AD. It's highly decorated and 5.33 m. high

 

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Thank You

We hope you like our Celtic high cross, the Arthurian cross and the unusual cross selection. If you would like to see more Celtic high cross designs see page 6.