Ancient Irish Scabbard Design

5" X 7"

Click inset for detail

Leather look and feel

Tan, suede color

Saddle-Stitched

Each comes with a storycard describing the history or inspiration behind the design. The text to this journal's storycard is below.

Refillable

Storycard:

"Scabbard design from the La Tene era (450 BC to 400 AD). This period featured floral and geometric designs, swirling spirals and cleverly hidden faces and animals often disguised within the art. Some of the most notable examples include the Battersea Shield, the Holcomb Mirror and the Bann Scabbards.

IN an ancient river in the northeastern corner of Ireland, 19th Century excavators retrieved eight scabbards which had not been seen for over 2,000 years. As all the scabbards were found in the River Bann or the Lisnacrogher bog nearby, they are known as the Bann Scabbards. The scabbards are lavishly decorated. The major, curned elements provide the overall pattern of the design. THey pattern that dominates is that of a continuous, sinuously curving wave.

It is generally believed these scabbards were thrown into the water as religious, ritual votive offerings. There is a likely echo of this practice in the way Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur, was cast into the water at the time of his passing."