
Silver Zoomorphic Ballyspellan Brooch
€175
Small silver 9th century Ballyspellan brooch
Replica of a 9th century zoomorphic pennanular brooch found at Ballyspellan, County Kilkenny. It is now on display at the National Museum of Archaeology in Dublin, Ireland. It’s a wonderful example of the hybridisation of Irish & viking age art styles, revealing the biting jaws of a beast at each corner to give protection to the wearer. The reverse of the brooch is inscribed in Ogham writing. The Irish names in Ogham are thought to be previous owners of the brooch.
Diameter: 39 x 40mm
Pin length: 62mm