Mari Lwyd Horse Skull | Enamel Pin

Design

The native Welsh of Britain have some odd traditions... and this pin, which is a collaboration between Sacred Knot Tattoo and Dyrs Hjarta Art, celebrates one of these is know as Mari Lwyd. Sean explained this custom in more detail:

"On Christmas Eve we go around door to door with a horse skull, usually mounted on a cloaked individual on a leash and sing for food and drink. The person behind the door is supposed to sing back the song and ask why they should let them in. From here a freestyle song can take place. This is meant to be conducted in Welsh, the language descended from the pre Saxon people of Britain. Maybe the horse skull tradition goes back as far as the times the White horses where carved into the hillsides in South England.. we will probably never know." 

 
Sacred Knot performed a ritual with the horse skull at a special event last Winter that you can read more about through our blog...

Material & Make

Our pins are crafted in solid metal with enamel detailing and a sturdy pin for security of closure and longevity.

About The Artist

Gloria Notarangelo, known in her work as Dyrs Hjarta Art, commands attention with her bold linework and traditional methods of dotwork. Her knowledge of Nordic artistry allows her to create imagery based on the historical artifacts she has admired over the years, bringing to life traditional styles and symbolism in order to tell stories through her work. To friends and family she is known as a nurturing plant-lover, though she is most often wielding a tattoo gun as a full-time professional artist with Sacred Knot Tattoo in North Wales. You’ll find handcrafted goods, original paintings, prints, pins, and jewellery by Gloria on Northern Fire.

You can see more of Gloria's art available on Northern Fire here.

Size & Dimensions

Rough diameter of 5cm (2 inches)