These form the base of more or less every interlaced pattern in Celtic art. However, it’s widely accepted that there are eight elementary knots. Over the following centuries, Celtic Knots became ever-more intricate, encompassing a huge variety of designs. Unlike previous designs that featured an unbroken plait of interlaced lines, the knots in this manuscript were more intricate, branching out from the relatively simple designs of the previous centuries. The earliest example of a true Celtic Knot was found in a fragment of a Gospel Book that dates to the 7th Century and was created in northern Britain. Over the years, these patterns started to evolve into more intricate interwoven knots. After Christianity started to have an influence on the Celtic culture around 450 AD, the same patterns began to make their way into early religious manuscripts and artwork. The Christian influenceĮarly Celtic art featured a variety of step patterns, spirals, and key patterns as the dominant motifs. Early examplesĮarly examples of what would become Celtic Knotwork appear around the third century AD, where knot patterns have been seen in Roman floor mosaics.įrom then on, artistic use of knot patterns sprung up in various cultures and uses, including Byzantine book illuminations and architecture, Islamic art, African art, European architecture, and of course, early Celtic art. But, some believe that such patterns date back much further, as far as 5,000 BC, though solid evidence is hard to come by. While it’s difficult to ascertain exactly when they first made an appearance, the earliest reliable evidence points to the late Roman Empire. The Celts certainly weren’t the first to use interlaced knots and braids for decoration. The history behind Celtic Knotworkīefore we look at the various Celtic Knot meanings, it’s time to take a step back in time to see where it all began. Celtic knots became popular symbols for tattoos around the 1970s and their popularity has never waned. They’re rife in Ireland, especially among monastic sites, and you’ll often see old, and new, churches and cathedrals featuring Celtic Knots carved into the stonework. Between 19, even the Guinness logo featured Celtic Knots on their iconic Irish Harp. They’ve made appearances in Hollywood movies, album covers, historic ruins, tapestries, book decorations, gravestones, jewellery, tattoos, and even crop circles. Where they’re foundĬeltic Knots can be found almost everywhere you look these days. Insular art refers to art produced in post-Roman Britain and Ireland, including decorative metalwork, manuscripts, and stonework. These stylized, decorative representations of various knots have been seen in other cultures throughout history.īut, no one else used them quite to the extent that the Celts did in what is now termed as “Insular Art”. While Celtic Knots have their origins in essential craftworks, their use was mainly decorative and remains so to this day. The earliest-known Celtic knots were similar to plaits, or braids, most likely taking inspiration from the weaving of flexible materials to make baskets, clothes, and countless other essential items. Many are heavily inspired by basket weave knots, which are believed to date back thousands of years and were among the first crafts carried out by humans. But for the most part, they feature interlaced patterns with no start or end. Their AppearanceĬeltic Knots take several different forms, as we’ll see below. Before we unravel the mystery of Celtic Knotwork, let’s take a look over the basics first of all to get you up-to-speed quickly: 1.
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