Irish (Celtic) cross, stone sculpture, Ireland, 19th century.

Irish cross, more commonly referred to as the high cross (irl. ardchros) or Celtic cross

It is a monumental stone structure from the early medieval period (mainly 8th-12th centuries) that has become a symbol of Ireland and its identity. However, crosses of this kind were erected not only in Ireland, but also in Scotland, Wales and Britain. The tradition developed in the early Middle Ages, as a result of a combination of Celtic and Christian motifs. Their dimensions varied quite a bit, with most exceeding 3-4 meters, and the tallest measuring as much as 5-6 meters. The crosses were covered with complex ornamentation in the Celtic style typical of the era (braids, spirals) and carved biblical scenes, serving a didactic function (the so-called "poor man's bible").

The ornamentation of our cross is very simple, but it should be remembered that Celtic art disappeared at the dawn of modernity, only to return in the 19th century (the so-called Celtic Renaissance). For several centuries, it functioned in a simple folk form, of which our cross is an expression. Even such examples of it are now rare. This cross, most likely, served as a crucifix in a traditional Irish home.