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Corp Naomh[edit]

Front panels of the shrine
Front panels of the shrine

The Corp Naomh (Irish: "Holy/Sacred Body") is an Irish bell shrine made in the 9th or 10th century to enclose a now lost hand-bell, which probably dated to c. 600–900 AD and belonged to an early Irish saint. The shrine was rediscovered sometime before 1682 at Tristernagh Abbey. It was heavily refurbished and added to in the 15th century, and now consists of cast and sheet bronze plates mounted on a wooden core decorated with silver, niello and rock crystal. Sections from its original, early Medieval phase include the cross on the reverse and the ornate semi-circular cap, which shows a bearded cleric holding a book. It was extensively refurbished in the 15th/16th centuries when the central bronze crucifixion, the griffin and lion panel, the stamped border panels and the backing plate were added. The damaged crucifixion and enamel stud on the front date from at least the 15th century. The Corp Naomh was exhibited in 1853 by the Royal Irish Academy and was transferred to the National Museum of Ireland in 1887. (Full article...)