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Tara Brooch - Relic
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Tara Brooch

description Tara Brooch Overview

The Tara Brooch is an 8th-century Irish pseudo-penannular brooch, notable for its intricate gold filigree, glass, and amber decoration.

help Tara Brooch FAQ

Why is it called the Tara Brooch if it wasn't found at the Hill of Tara?

The brooch was actually found near the beach in Bettystown, County Meath, by a peasant woman in 1850. The dealer who purchased it decided to name it the "Tara Brooch" because the Hill of Tara was known as the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, giving it a more romantic, marketable appeal.

Where is the original Tara Brooch kept today?

The original Tara Brooch is on permanent display at the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin. It is considered one of the most significant surviving artifacts from early medieval Europe.

What materials were used to decorate the Tara Brooch?

The front of the brooch is heavily decorated with intricate gold filigree, which features extremely fine wires twisted into complex geometric patterns. It also features inlaid panels of amber, glass, and enamel, showcasing the peak of early medieval metalworking.

Is the Tara Brooch a true penannular brooch?

No, it is technically classified as a pseudo-penannular brooch because its ring is completely closed. Unlike a true penannular brooch, which has an opening in the ring to allow the pin to pass through, the pseudo-penannular design was used purely for decorative and status purposes.

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