The Derrynaflan Hoard and Early Irish Art
Michael Ryan
The discovery in 1980 of a hoard church plate the ancient monastery Derrynaflan, Co. Tipperary, Ireland (Ill. 1), at stroke added significantly to corpus Insular metalwork, extended our knowledge early-medieval European altar plate, and raised afresh important questions about patronage, craft organization, wealth, trade, exchange. Issues importance interpretation history brought into sharp focus included relative significance Viking invasions as disrupting influence on Irish society ninth century form origins liturgy practiced early church. Above all, extension known variety motifs decorative techniques has greatly enriched understanding one great ecclesiastical arts medieval Europe.' circumstances finding led litigation lasting almost seven years, which eventually enabled state replace law treasure trove with new measures protect archaeological finds rescue substantial numbers artifacts, many them also adding art.2
Speculum