This design is inspired by a symbol found on neolithic rock art known as cup and ring circle motif. It is found widely throughout Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Brittany and Britain.
The motif is strongly associated with water. The ancient passage tombs in Brú na Bóinne,
translated as “dwelling place of Boann”, bear many of the circular motifs. Boann an early Irish goddess was descended directly from the Tuatha Dé Danann. Though forbidden to by her partner Nechtan, Bóann approached the magical otherworldly Well of Segais the font of all Wisdom, causing the waters to surge up violently and rush down to the sea, creating the River Boyne. In mythology Bóann is given names that relate her to the phases of the moon: Bó Orann, the dark cow goddess for the new moon, Bó Ruad, the red cow goddess for the waxing moon, Bó Finn, the white cow goddess for the full moon and Bó Donn, the brown cow goddess for the waning moon. Perhaps these circles and concentric circles represent the phases of the moon.
This pendant is made from sterling silver and measures 29mm.