/IV — X A.D./

• There are several theories concerning the origin of the Ogham writing system:

• 1) It is thought to be named after the Irish god Ogma (the ancient Celtic god of flowery speech and oratory). 

• 2) It is asserted that the alphabet was created by Irish scholars or druids for political, military or religious reasons to provide a secret means of communication in opposition to the authorities of Roman Britain.

• 3) The Ogham WS was invented by the first Christian communities in early Ireland, out of a desire to have a unique alphabet for writing short messages and inscriptions in the Irish language.

• About 500 Ogham inscriptions have been found in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and in parts of western England dating from between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. 

• Ogham WS is the earliest written representation of the Irish language. It was created using of a series of perpendicular and intersecting lines.

• Sometimes the vowels use dots rather than lines intersecting the vertical axis.

Ballintaggart, Dingle, Kerry, Ireland

Brandsbutt early Pictish symbol stone. This face on view of the stone, taken on the 25th of April 2008, shows the Ogham writing, which came to Scotland circa the BC, AD time period.

The stone in Dromatimore in Aghabullogue was originally located in Mountrivers before it was moved to its present site in 1851. The inscription has been decoded as MADORA MAQI DEGO or NO MAQI DEGO. The translation is unclear but it is thought to be in honour of some important chief or warrior of the Clana Deaghda tribe. These were a tribe of knights who lived in Ireland and held their territory in West Munster. The stone is 2.72 metres high and 2.5 metres on the sloped side. It is 0.8 metres wide. It faces east and like the well nearby is maintained in good condition.

• Contemporary Irish jewelers sometimes craft personal items such as pendants and bracelets using the Ogham script. One such master craftsman is Brian de Staic of An Daingean.

• Plaques in Ogham by Ethel Kelly are very popular as a gift for any special occasion in Ireland and England.

• Also it is used within the scope of esoteric disciplines for divination and for the creation of various oghamic amulets.