“ The Highwayman “ Lullymore Bog Ireland. County Kildare. Bog Oak c 2600-4000 years * 
 
This sculpture created from ancient bog oak, a dark, naturally preserved wood known for its rich black colour and unique, twisted grain patterns. The piece has an abstract, Celtic organic form with flowing, irregular shapes that suggest movement and a natural structure, resembling a menacing figure. 
The piece also features hollows and cavities, which add to its sculptural quality and give it an almost otherworldly appearance. The grain is highly pronounced, with swirling patterns that hint at the tree's ancient history. The texture is rough and rugged, highlighting the natural beauty and age of this piece of wood(2600-4000)*
Bog Oak is not a species of oak but rather ancient oak wood that has survived underground in peat bogs for thousands of years. These trees, fell into waterlogged ground during prehistoric times often between 2,000 and 4000 years ago *- where they became buried under layers of peat. In time the oak slowly absorbed minerals and tannins from the peat which gradually stained the wood a deep rich spectrum from browns to near black. This process matures the wood giving bog oak its special unique weight, density, and colour. 
This bespoke unique figure ‘The Highwayman’ (adapted from the 18th century), were the guardians of the poor in Ireland. These ‘knights of the road’ targeted the landlords travelling by coach and evidence leans toward highwaymen being both admired for boldness or feared for violence. Note how the Highwayman covers his face with his cloak for fear of identification. Mounted on a sturdy, dark base for stability, the overall height is modest, fitting well on a tabletop surface. (H.37cm, W. 16cm, D.15cm- weight.989grm ) 
 
*2019 Lullymore Heritage &Discovery Park in association with Maynooth University
 ( Geography Dept.) undertook Peat Coring Research using carbon dating, indicating  that the present layer of peat formed 2600 years ago. This confirms the age of this piece of bog oak 2600-4000 years old .
(Lullymore Heritage & Discovery Park. Allenwood. County Kildare.)
 
Greg Mc Inerney BA ( Irish Arts Council ARN 94510)

Approx size: 35cm (h) x 15 cm (w) x 13 cm (d)