Pictish Beast Crewneck Sweatshirts

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

Pictish Beast design inspired by the carvings found on Pictish stones in Scotland

This symbol comes from the Picts, a group of people who inhabited areas of what is now Scotland. They are known for their stone carvings, although the meaning behind most of their symbols has now been lost. This symbol is commonly called the "Pictish beast" and is thought to perhaps represent a variety of animals-- both mythological and real-- and perhaps have been of great importance. I have recreated it here in my own style.

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

The Picts were the original rulers of what is today Scotland, leaving behind only their mysterious symbols and vibrant artwork carved into stone. They first appear in recorded history in Roman times and fiercely defended their lands from Roman occupation. They fought off numerous incursions by the Scots, and resisted Christianization to retain their unique pagan culture. In the ninth century they finally merged with the Scots. But their symbols carved in stone remain, their meaning all but lost to a time long ago, even today these symbols are a mystery.

Pictish rock art design.

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.

“Pictish Beast” by Struthious Bandersnatch is licensed under CC BY-SA 1.0.