Marigold Stone Pendant

The design is a replica of the Marigold Stone, located in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal. Both front and back are engraved. The wearer can choose which side is visible. The necklace is packaged in its branded Faller box which also contains our Marigold descriptive leaflet.

West Face – East Face

West Face Details
The Marigold Stone is named after this seven petalled motif with a long stem or handle. It is thought to depict the Cuilebaidh, a relic of Saint Colmcille which is believed to have been a type of fan used in warm climates to keep flies away from the alter. The Greek key patterned stem ends in two loops imitating leather thongs for hanging up the fan when not in use. Two figures are dressed in knee-length robes. One holding a crozier and carrying a satchel on the right has been identified as a pilgrim. The figure on the left holds what may be a tau crozier with a vertical slot carved above the pointed foot. In the old Irish Annals, the expression “he took the staff ” was used to describe someone on a pilgrimage. At the base the cross of arcs forming a Maltese cross in recess appears in carvings on many pilgrimage sites throughout Ireland.

East Face Details

An unusual domed projection forms the top of the enlarged head of Christ. Early Irish representations of crucifixion focused on Christ’s triumph rather than his suffering and as clearly seen here Christ is depicted with open eyes and a broad smile. Two figures whose robes are emblazoned with a cross possibly depict ecclesiastical figures or saints. The Eastern Mediterranean influence is apparent in the many Greek key or maze patterns. Various crosses and motifs also feature Celtic interlace.