Zoomorphic Pendant

Product History

The first invaders of England were the Celts. The animals and birds were sacred to the Celts and bird or animal parts represent many of the gods and spirits. The changing of form (shape shifting) was said to have been used by the Druids who were able to change into different wild animals. Bulls, boars, sheep and dogs played a prominent part in Celtic iconography, though the horse was increasingly confined to coinage. The image of the boar was popular in Celtic times and appeared as figures, as helmet crests, as sword stamps and on coinage, confirming their particular associations with warfare and power.

Zoomorphic ornaments first appeared in the Bronze Age art of Britain and Ireland. In the Book of Kells this influence is emphasised by depicting the four evangelists through their symbols: the man for Matthew, the lion for Mark, the calf for Luke and the eagle for John. They were also depicted in fairly natural forms.