In this exhibition, we are introduced to showing how the Celts was first recorded around 500BC by the ancient Greeks, who used to describe people living in parts of continental Europe.  The Greek writers, however, never mentioned Celts living England or Ireland.  They came later.  

 

As one enters the exhibition, one big stone Christian pillar with a cross were shown. (fig 1&2). It reads: 

 

"Christian cross slab

Many communities in Ireland and Scotland converted to Christianity from AD400s and developed local forms of worship. Stone crosses like this one (fig1&2) stood in churchyards and monasteries as grave markers or beacons of belief. For many people, ringed crosses with interlace decoration have now become a symbol of modern "Celtic nations" 

Sandstone

Invergowrie, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, AD 800-900"

 

I've seen the cross before in remote places and photographs, usually in the middle of the hill or in the middle of nowhere.  There was of course no explanation anyway near the slab, now I know. It is similar to the Chinese stone slab, only the stone slab in China will have some sort of description whereas the Celts only have pictures and symbols.  

 

The next object right next to the slab, is a banner. I was immediately drawn to the red dragon griffin look alike. The banner reads:

 

"This banner is paraded annually at the National Eisteddfod, a festival of Welsh language and culture. The dragon symbolises Wales and the three rays of light represent Awen(inspiration), Welsh mottos including Y Gwir yn erbyn y Byd (The truth against the World) and Heddwch (peace) are embroidered in gold.  1896 Wales"  

 

The dragon's symbols have gaven me so many visual ideas to my own project, I am always intrigued by what people wanted to sway people to a collective goal.  I love "the truth against the world!" so righteous when put it on a slogan.  I love the embroidery and graphics of the red dragon too.  

 

Various ornaments and helmets was shown in the next section. I was amazed with the ornaments that they wear are so big and heavy. The Celts must be giants and very strong.  I don't think I can walk 20 steps with that heavy necklace on my neck.

 

The highlight of the show is of course this Gundestrup cauldron from Denmark.  It is strange I went to the museum in Copenhagen and have not seen this cauldron.  It's huge, and one is not allowed to take any pictures, made of silver and wonderful graphics.  It tells a story in a way almost a comic book does.  I was in awe and was staring with other spectators for a long time, examine each side of it, as it tells a different story, inside and out.  Details of the cauldron can be found in the following link.

 

link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gundestrup_cauldron

 

It was definitely a recommended exhibition, the British museum has laid out nicely on each display, and did it in chronological order.  It took a good 2 hours before I can get out of the museum.  Although I am not anyway near being a Celt, it was interesting to see their belief and myths, which adds on part of my research of mythology of a different culture.