The church at Rivière, not content with having a very colourful interior, also had some interesting floor art.
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| Fortified tower |
Many of the stone slabs were carved or studded with nails to form images. Some slabs had Greek inscriptions, others in Latin. In the photo above you can just make out "Turris Fortis..." [strong or fortified tower] under a simple carving of a crenellated tower.
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| A 'doggy' looking oliphant with howdah |
Towers, hearts, chalices and mitres are all images connected with the church. A strong fortress, for example was often a metaphor for staunch faith. However, there was also a slightly bemused looking eagle and, even better, a super little "oliphant" or elephant with a howdah on top, which was our absolute favourite.
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| Slightly round-eyed looking eagle |
We're guessing they are 16th or 17th century, mostly based upon the representation of the elephant. However, we have found no information whatsoever; barring one brief comment that Rivière was a small river port and sailors used to use the church and that they carved the slabs. It would be lovely to find out more.
10 comments:
These are marvellous! Whoever did them (presumably not a single individual) had a good eye and a steady hand.
I loved the oliphant...
@Susan - Quite a few 'styles' so yes different people. What puzzles us is the Greek. Doesn't quite match with sailors --maybe the priest gave them they text to copy. Who knows...
@Fly - He's super isn't he :-)
These are superb! I wonder how old they are. The eagle looks very regal.
AJ - we have no idea. There was no information in the church about its floor at all.
They are most unusual and unexpected! I'm liking the elephant too! That would look good in my garden...
@Craig - in mine too! ;-)
How gorgeous! The oliphant is rather sweet and I do like the rather striking eagle, goggle-eyed or not. :-) My very rusty Latin was even up to deciphering the Bible verse beneath it, which surprised me a bit.
@Perpetua - Oh well done on the Latin; it took us while too :-) I only ever did Medieval Latin, not the 'proper' language though Niall did study it at school.
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