Banner Featuring Celtic Beast and Serpent

Hand-Painted Cotton Banner Featuring Celtic Beast and Serpent

Historical Context and Celtic Symbolism

Long hanging banners and standards played a crucial role in the Middle Ages. On a chaotic battlefield, they served for quick troop orientation, signal transmission, and the identification of individual factions or noble houses. They were also frequently hung in feasting halls as symbols of power and prestige. The depicted motif of fighting animals and intertwined serpents originates from Early Medieval insular and Celtic art, which can be seen in masterpieces like the Book of Kells or on Pictish standing stones. This scene traditionally symbolises the eternal struggle of opposing natural forces or the battle between good and evil.

Installation and Proper Use

The banner is designed for vertical suspension. White fabric loops are located along the top edge, through which a supporting pole is threaded. To ensure the loops are manufactured to the correct size, it is absolutely necessary to state the diameter of your pole in the order notes. If the standard is to be mounted permanently, the edges of the loops can be fixed to the pole using small tacks or nails. During strong gusts of wind or extreme storms at outdoor events, we recommend taking the banner down to prevent the cotton fabric from tearing.

Caring for Painted Canvas

Because the motif is painted by hand onto the canvas, the product requires gentle care. It may only be hand-washed in lukewarm water using a very mild soap. Never wash the banner in a washing machine, do not use bleach, and do not put it in a tumble dryer, as this will irreversibly destroy the painting. If the fabric needs ironing, do so only on the reverse side on a medium heat setting. The iron must never come into direct contact with the painted surface.

Recommended Accessories

To accompany this banner, we recommend acquiring a sturdy ash wood pole and hand-forged nails, allowing you to firmly secure the standard and prevent it from sliding in the wind.

Technical Specifications Table