CHAPTER 5 T he Breac Maodhóg: a unique medieval Irish reliquary GRIFFIN MURRAY Introduction T he Breac Maodhóg is one of the most important objects to survive from Cavan’s medieval past (plate 5. 1). 1 While now damaged and incomplete, its surviving imagery remains striking and it is this which sets it apart from all other extant Irish metalwork of the early medieval period. Indeed, it is its figurative ornament, something that is rare in early medieval Irish metalwork, which grasps people’s attention and led Anthony Lucas to state: It can hardly be denied that these eight small figures of men are the most powerful and realistic representations of the human figure in Irish art. Moreover, although they are undoubtedly ecclesiastics, their emphatic masculinity is the nearest approach to expression of the sexual which the art of the whole Early Christian period has to show. 2 While numerous scholars have commented on the Breac Maodhóg since it was first brought to academic attention in 1845, 3 due to a lack of detailed research it is possibly the most misunderstood medieval Irish reliquary that survives. 4 Indeed, up to now the most detailed publication on it was that by Margaret Stokes in 1867. 5 T he purpose of this chapter is to reveal the results of new detailed research on the reliquary. In this chapter, new arguments will be presented on its provenance, dating, character, integrity, iconography, and function, subjects that have either been neglected or have been matters of debate or confusion in the published literature so far. T his chapter also includes a more comprehensive account of the Breac Maodhóg than has hitherto been given, comprising a detailed description, photographic survey, scientific analysis, and history of the object. Analysis of its metal composition using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was carried out by Dr Paul Mullarkey of the Conservation Department, National Museum of Ireland, and the results, along with his report, are reproduced as an appendix to this chapter. 1 CHAPTER 5 - Griffin Murray 14/05/2014 09:21 Page 1