Blessing of the sea gods

This series of work of boats was inspired by the Broighter Hoard, the finest treasure trove of the Irish Iron Age, discovered in 1896. The nautical nature of some of the finds from the hoard and its location beside the sea, in an area that may have been submerged in antiquity, has led to some speculation that it represents a votive offering to an underwater deity, possibly Manannán mac Lir. In legend this ancient Irish sea god is associated with Lough Foyle, a large cauldron, sailing ships and a magical horse capable of journeying over land and sea (after Waddell 1998). Is it possible that 2,000 years ago an Irish king placed a bag of golden offerings to appease this ancient sea deity?

This story inspired a series of boat shaped vessels in Pate-de-verre.

#2 Not for sale
Pate-de-verre