Pewter Celtic Knot Sgian Dubh

The Celtic Knot is an ancient symbol that is emblematic of eternity and unity. Irish monks used Celtic Knots to symbolize the soul’s continuity. Designing and creating these intricate geometric patterns was a delight for these holy men who had sacrificed worldly pleasure. Elaborate Celtic knot designs let monks express themselves while glorying in the designs of Heaven.

Spirals, step patterns, and key patterns are dominant motifs in Celtic art before the Christian influence on the Celts, which began around 450. These designs found their way into early Christian manuscripts and artwork with the addition of depictions from life, such as animals, plants and even humans. In the beginning, the patterns were intricate interwoven cords, called plaits (braid), which can also be found in other areas of Europe, such as Italy, in the 6th century. A fragment of a Gospel Book, now in the Durham Cathedral library and created in northern Britain in the 7th century, contains the earliest example of true knotted designs in the Celtic manner.

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