Representing Culture Through Celtic Designs
Traditional crafts are admired all over the world and never seem to go out of fashion. This is certainly the case concerning Celtic designs. They can be seen in lettering, textiles, jewelry, fashion, ceramics, and many forms of art work. The Celtic designs from the past have been a continuous inspiration through the years, and still influence us today. Examples of Celtic adaptations can be found in the art of Leonardo da Vinci, Durer, and Michelangelo. The intricate, geometric designs are used for ornament and to spread knowledge, following a structure of symbols.
Typical examples involve spirals, knotwork interlacing, keys, step patterns and chevrons. Some Celtic designs go back many thousands of years and depict Zoomorphics, which are based on animals, reptiles and birds. There are also Anthromorphic Celtic designs which are based on the human form. Patterns are formed into circles, rectangles, triangles, and linear formations.
Knotwork interlacings were the work of the Picts in Northern Britain and these Celtic designs followed mathematical formulas, often found in religious, pagan symbols. In manuscripts, this type of ornamentation is very tiny and complicated, and cannot be replicated today by our modern methods. We do not know the tools that were used, and how they achieved this standard of work remains a mystery.
Representations of God were forbidden until the coming of Christianity, and so artists designed in the abstract. The method of interlacing which has its roots in weaving and basket making spread throughout the world, and many craftsmen used the technique in metalwork, wood and stone. These Celtic designs can be found in North Africa, Syria, Egypt, and Iran. The early Chinese also used interlacing. The Maya priests in Central America carved stone crosses which resembles the stone work of the Picts. They also produced beautifully decorated manuscripts, but the Spanish conquerors unfortunately destroyed most of these. Different traditions in interlacing patterns evolved in the regions of Britain and Ireland.
The early Christian craftsmen incorporated Celtic designs and symbols, creating sculptures, elaborate brooches, and ornamented manuscripts such as the Book of Kells. Much of the painstaking work of the Celtic artists was done as a tribute to God, which explains the commitment to perfection.
Modern shops are still full of Celtic designs, on embroidered handbags, headscarves and knitwear. Celtic designs can also be seen today as tattoos, which have become very fashionable amongst the young. Even young children proudly display henna versions on their arms and legs. This is a somewhat crude, over simplified version of the noble art of Celtic design. Let us hope it fosters a genuine interest into the life and craftsmanship of the Celts. We have come to know them, largely through their art, and can only stand in awe of their achievements.
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