Social and cultural background
When examining the Book of Kells (BOK), it is important to be aware of the social and cultural context in which the book was created. Its creation was a direct result of the monastic tradition found in Ireland from the 6th century onwards. Owing to Ireland’s remote location on the periphery of Western Europe, the Irish church differed slightly from its Roman counterpart, particularly with regards to the date Easter was celebrated. The Irish church was regarded as being more monastic in nature, rather than episcopal (Meehan, 1994). The monasteries were recognised as institutions of learning and of knowledge. The monastic population were educated for the most part, literate. As Ó Corráin (1994) notes, a ‘literary vernacular’ was established in Ireland from the 7th century; this resulted in the creation (and replication) of Irish prose and poetry, as well as the creation of documentation depicting the lives of the saints (Kennedy, 2000). Book production increased with the establishment of monastic communities (Farr, 1997). An importance was put on the written word and the power it conveyed. The monastic population were also well known for their artistic talents. Decorative illumination and text was used by the monks a way of expressing their adoration for God and the written word of the Bible. It was into this fertile, literate environment that the BOK was created.
The status of monasteries during this period of early Irish history was also an important factor in how and why the BOK was created. Culturally, monasteries were respected institutions. Many owned vast amounts of land. This wealth provided monasteries with the means of sourcing the materials needed to create the BOK. Vellum was not easy to come by; a large amount of vellum was required for the book. Additionally, the monks had access to a wide range of ingredients needed to create the broad palate of pigments used to colour the manuscript. Again, the influence and scope of the network of monasteries facilitated this.
The status of monasteries during this period of early Irish history was also an important factor in how and why the BOK was created. Culturally, monasteries were respected institutions. Many owned vast amounts of land. This wealth provided monasteries with the means of sourcing the materials needed to create the BOK. Vellum was not easy to come by; a large amount of vellum was required for the book. Additionally, the monks had access to a wide range of ingredients needed to create the broad palate of pigments used to colour the manuscript. Again, the influence and scope of the network of monasteries facilitated this.
Columcille and his legacy
When examining the historical background to the BOK, it is impossible to do so without mentioning Columcille or Columba as he was also known. He was directly responsible for establishing the monastic settlement on Iona, which is closely associated with the BOK, in the year 563 (Brown, 1980). It is estimated that Columcille and his followers are responsible, both directly and indirectly, for the establishment of approximately ninety monasteries in the British Isles, including the ones at Durrow and Lindesfarne (Kennedy, 2000). This sphere of influence relating to Columcille may have also played a central part in explaining how and why the materials needed for the Book of Kells were sourced, particularly with regards to some of the ingredients sourced for the pigments. Furthermore, the network of monasteries with an allegiance to Columcille was particularly important in times of war or danger. The BOK was transferred to Kells in the late 9th century for safe-keeping in this regard.