Knowth is a passage tomb within the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage site. It has more than
200 decorated kerbstones with the “Sundial” Kerbstone being the inspiration for this
design. It has very distinctive engraving of lines, radiating outwards in a semi circle “star
shape” with a dot in the centre, prompting many to suggest it may have been a form of
sundial. One astronomical theory suggests that the art represents solar, lunar and stellar
images and cycles. The stone age people who constructed the monument, unhindered by
artificial light, would have observed nightly changes in the moon and constellations of stars
mapped out in animal shapes, changing their position. Much of the artwork at Knowth could
represent celestial worship.
This pendant measures 20mm wide and 14mm long.