Abstract
This paper examines early Irish art and literature in an effort to gain insight into early Irish heritage and culture. The paper discusses Le Tene art, Celtic art, the emergence of craft centers or workshops, influences on Le Tene art and Le Tene art's influence on other cultures as well as early Christian artifacts, the importance and significance of the Ulster cycle in Irish literature, and how the story "The Tain Bo Cuailgne" represents the rough, common life of the early Irish.

From the Paper
"When attempting to explore early Irish cultures, we can discover much when we observe art and literature in conjunction with historical information. Historical facts only present a portion of the picture, while artifacts and literature fill in the gaps. Art from the Le Tene culture offers incredible insight into early Irish heritage because literacy was not widespread. Symbols and images depicted on pieces discovered at this time represent rituals and beliefs. While most of the population could not write, the literature from the Ulster era helps support what we can learn from artifacts. In addition, when we combine what we see and read from the arts of early Irish cultures, we discover a remarkable connection to historical accounts of these people."

Tags:halstatt, jewelry, warrior, canosa, helmet, agris, kirkburn, sword, Durrnberg, flagon