Celtic refers to the ancient culture, distinct language and unique art of the people who inhabited the area from the British Isles across Europe to Asia Minor. This pre-Roman culture reached its peak about 200 B.C. uniting the Indo-European people.

Since 400 A.D. the Celtic culture and Gaelic language has been confined to the island of Eire, which we know as the country of Ireland. This was the last pristine stronghold of the ancient culture left untouched by the Romans. It continued to survive almost intact for the next 600 years in spite of Viking invasions and conversion to Christianity.

Although almost destroyed in the last two centuries, recent renewed interest in Celtic art and culture has seen a resurgence of artwork, recovery of language and documentation of history. Archeological digs have uncovered many ancient artifacts and forms the basis of modern Celtic artwork.

Besides the illuminated manuscripts and religious icons created by Irish monks around 700 A.D. we have also been enriched with the discoveries of the fabled monastery on Iona, the beautifully illustrated Book of Kells and the stunning High Crosses of the British Isles.

We at Celtic Stone Art are inspired by this rich and fascinating heritage from which we draw our stylistic elements. Many traditional designs, such as spirals and interwoven circles, can be traced even further back to the Stone Age of our Neolithic ancestors.

These elements developed into the characteristic knotwork and curvilinear lines we know from priceless illuminated manuscripts as well as ordinary knitted Aran sweaters. Even the symbolism of the high cross, often viewed as exclusively Christian, has its roots in a far more ancient and universal symbol -- that of the world axis (axis mundi) or world tree (the Norse Yggdrasit).

The particular genius of the Celts was their ability to integrate worlds that to us seem opposing: natural with supernatural; animal and plant with human; sacred with profane. Celtic art and design has always expressed an interconnectedness of all things forming an attractive retreat from our modern chaotic and complicated world.