Celtic Raven Decorative Box

To the Celts birds represented prophetic knowledge, bloodshed and skill. In an omen they can be either the message or the messenger. Like the crow, ravens flew over Celtic battlefields as the deity incarnate. As the bird of the goddess the Morrigan in her death aspect, the raven symbolises the forces of destruction which are as necessary to the continuation of life as the forces of creation.

The Celtic raven decorative wooden box is useful as well as decorative. A safe cache for postage stamps for all your messages. Or paper clips and other odds and ends, keeping your desk top clear. Or maybe your decorative box will store precious trinkets.

$30

Approximate Size:3x6 inches (hxw)

Decorative Box Details

The decorative box has a loose lid and knot design on the side. The designs are burned into the wood before painting with thin glazes of colour, showing the wood grain to advantage. The decorative box is then given a protective coat of acrylic lacquer.

Ravens and the Tower of London

There is a legend that says if the ravens leave the Tower of London then a great disaster shall befall England. Its origin is attributed to a story from the History of the King's of Britain - “Historia Regum Britanniae” written in 1136 by the Medieval historian Geoffrey of Monmouth. He wrote about King Bran Hen of Bryneich born c.485. Bran wished that if he was killed in battle, his head be buried on Gwynfryn - the White Mount as a talisman against invasion. Bran is the welsh word for raven and the White Mount is where the Tower of London now stands.

It is thought that Charles II decreed that at least six ravens should be kept at the Tower at all times to prevent disaster. Due to this decree and the ancient legend at least six ravens are provided with Raven's lodgings at the tower of London. A Beefeater has the specific task of taking care of their well being at the Tower.