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Shrine of St Caillín
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The Shrine of St Caillín is a metal cumdach (a book-shaped shrine) built before 1536 to hold and protect the 15th century Book of Fenagh manuscript.[1][2]
It has been described as "something of a specialist in the production of battle talismans"[3] and according to legend, in his lifetime commissioned a number of battle standards, including this shrine.[3] There is some doubt as to if the shrine was intended as a cumdach, given that it is smaller than the manuscript.[1]
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Description
The shrine consists of an oak box overlain with die-stamped gilt brass ornaments on a sliver frame. The decorations consist of abstract insular art patterns as well the depiction of a number of human figures.[4]
Condition
The shrine was in good condition until it was badly damaged in the 2009 fire that destroyed large parts of St Mel's Cathedral, Longford, where it had been kept since 1980.[1]000
It was acquired by the National Museum of Ireland the following year, while the manuscript is in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy.[5]
References
Sources
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