Description

McHarp cast stone Irish Celtic cross based on Ballinrobe Cross, County Mayo, Ireland.

Lilies, signifying purity of heart, grace the shaft of this lovely cross, and the two entwined rings at the center make it an especially nice gift for an engagement, wedding or anniversary.

A descriptive tag accompanies the Ballinrobe Cross with a blessing: May God in His wisdom and infinite love, look down on you always from Heaven above. May He send good fortune, contentment and peace, and may all of your blessings forever increase.

The Ballinrobe cross is found in County Mayo in the west of Ireland, near Lough Mask, a lake large enough to produce choppy waves in rough weather. Nearby are the ruins of two abbeys: Inishmaina Abbey, originally founded in the 6th century by Saint Connan, and Cong Abbey, founded in the 12th century by Turlough O'Connor, High King of Ireland.

Cast in the USA by McHarp-- the mother-daughter team of Ruth McKay and Linda Harp. Linda has a masters degree in anthroplogy, and Ruth has an extensive background in art and sculpture. Each cross is inspired by an actual carved stone cross in Ireland. The piece is first carved in clay, and then a mold is taken from the carving. The molds are used to cast the crosses in a durable stone-like material, and the pieces are then stained and sealed several times to achieve the final finish. The cross comes with an attached wire hanger on the back, and is ready to be displayed indoors or outdoors in sheltered areas.

10 inches high by 5 inches wide. Lovely weight and feel (somewhere between ceramic and stone).

To see a larger view, please click on the image.