Early Syrian Plaitwork and Celtic Knots

Several months ago I discovered about Celtic knotwork through an article by Andrew Glassner published in the September/October 1999 issue of IEEE Computer Graphics and Applications. Celtic knots are highly intricate decorative elements best known for their use by the Celts in the ornamentation of Christian monuments and manuscripts. The art reached its peak in the 9th century with the creation of lavishly illuminated manuscripts some of which survived the medieval period. The Book of Kells, produced by Celtic monks in around 800 AD, is a fine example.

While it has been suggested that pagan Celtic sources had strong influences on Christian Celtic artwork, history doesn’t hold much accounts of knots before the Christian influence on the Celts in about 450 AD, therefore the origin of Celtic knotwork remains uncertain.

Plaitwork, which is a pattern of interwoven unknotted cords, is the earliest known form of knotwork. Plaitwork is not unique to the Celts, examples are found in many cultures. By breaking the plait’s cords and reattaching them, knotwork patterns can be derived. The first examples of this practice can be observed in early 8th century in Italy, but many examples of plaitwork and primitive knots can be found in early Syrian art from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. I’d like to mention three instances.

On the right is a mosaic found in the museum of Palmyra depicting Asclepius, the god of medicine and healing, in a decorative frameork consisting of plaitworks and other decorative elements. It dates back to 1st century.

On the left is an excerpt from a Byzantine mosaic found in the museum of Ma’arat Al-No’oman. It dates back to early 5th century and features more complex plaitwork.

On the right is a mosaic found in the museum of the renowned Roman theatre in Bosra featuring a primitive knot. It dates back to 2nd century.