Description

A McHarp cast stone Irish Celtic cross based on the east face of the North Cross at Ahenny, County Tipperary, Ireland.

Even today the cross at Ahenny conveys some idea of the life-giving effect that Celtic High crosses once had on men and women in tune with their religion. This cross features a sampler of the motifs that held great meaning for Celtic Christians...

The continuous interwoven lines of Celtic knotwork represented the interconnected of life, things without beginnings and ends, and the ongoing spiritual journey. The spiral symbolized the cycle of life, from birth in the spring, to death in the winter, to rebirth again in spring. The center spiral design may represent the sun, with circular designs representing the four seasons, surrounding it.

Cast in the USA by McHarp-- the mother-daughter team of Ruth McKay and Linda Harp. Linda has a masters degree in anthroplogy, and Ruth has an extensive background in art and sculpture. Each cross is inspired by an actual carved stone cross in Ireland.

The piece is first carved in clay, and then a mold is taken from the carving. The molds are used to cast the crosses in a durable stone-like material, and the pieces are then stained and sealed several times to achieve the final finish. The cross comes with an attached wire hanger on the back, and is ready to be displayed indoors or outdoors in sheltered areas.

13.5 inches high by 7.5 inches wide. Lovely weight and feel (somewhere between ceramic and stone).

To see a larger view, please click on the image.