Shrine of St Caillín
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The Shrine of St Caillín is a metal cumdach (a book-shaped shrine) built before 1536 to hold and protect the 15th century Book of Fenagh manuscript.[1][2]
It has been described as "something of a specialist in the production of battle talismans"[3] and according to legend, in his lifetime commissioned a number of battle standards, including this shrine.[3] There is some doubt as to if the shrine was intended as a cumdach, given that it is smaller than the manuscript.[1]
The shrine consists of an oak box overlain with die-stamped gilt brass ornaments on a silver frame. The decorations consist of abstract insular art patterns as well the depiction of a number of human figures.[4]