Filling In The Pages

Irish Museum Object Blog

Anna Collins

            While browsing through the National Archaeology Museum of Ireland, I came to appreciate what a truly rich history this beautiful country has. There were countless intriguing items within, from the Vikings to knights. An item that particularly stuck out to me was called the Clûdach leabhair. Essentially, it is simply a decorated book cover. Yet, there is so much more to this than a surface glance warrants.

             Upon wondering closer to this exhibit I was particularly impressed with the complexity in the drawing itself. Along the top there sits a knight on his horse, throwing out his sword. They appear to be defeating a dragon, which lies on the ground under them. Just below this is the coat of arms of the Fitzgerald Earls of Desmond. Along the very bottom if you look closely, you will note several men engaging in a sword dance. They are not engaged in battle but more so having a bit of fun. Considering each of these images allows the viewer to make inferences about the times in which they were created.

The presence of dance, music and military success are all vital pieces within society.

            So, you might be wondering why this object? Among bones, revolutionary agriculture technology, and brutal Viking remnants, why would I be drawn to something so simple and seemingly unexciting as a book cover? From a personal side, growing up reading was a well-loved hobby of mine. There was nothing more rewarding than finding the perfect seat to curl up in to escape into the adventure that was waiting to be told.

            Yet, all that was left of this one was the decorated cover. There were no pages, title, or even an author’s name. But someone, or even several people, held this book at one time or another. It served as a chance for their imaginations to be set free, and represents the sharing of such a vital thing in this world-knowledge. Literature is such an important piece of any society. What good does it do for one to have all the information in the world, if they never pass it on? To have it in writing ensures that future generations may learn how those before them have thought, whether that’s through fictional stories or informational documents, so that they may go on to add new information within their lifetime. Writings provide inspiration to any who can read them or hear them be read. Look back to many of those involved with the Easter Rising of 1916. More often than not, participants were spurred into action due to the inspirational and convicting writings of authors such as Yeats. I once heard the comparison of a writer to being a knight of a different kind. This is such an accurate description. Though they are not physically in the midst of the fighting, their role is incredibly essential to the cause. Great writers inspire, capturing the souls of their audience and moving them into action.

             Who knows what once occupied the space between the start and end of this cover. All that is left now is the decorative exterior that catches the eye of a passerby, leaving the story up to the viewer’s imagination.