Materials

Description

Lapel pin in shape of cat. The cat is in profile, but with all four legs visible and its head facing outwards. The body of the cat is black metal with a thin silver outline around the body which also highlights details on the face and body. The details on the face include ears, eyes, a nose, and whiskers. Most notably there is a distinctive Three Legs of Man triskelion design of in the centre of the belly of the cat depicting three legs with the feet facing outwards and the knees bent, unified in the centre to form a cohesive shape. This design is known for being the national symbol of the Isle of Man. The back of the pin is silver metal. The pinning mechanism extends horizontally across the body of the pin, with the pointed end on the side of the cat's head. The mechanism is anchored on the right side and the locking mechanism to fasten the pin is on the left. 

The Isle of Man is an island located in the Irish Sea, equidistance from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. The island has been inhabited since the Mesolithic Era (about 6500BCE). The island was under Celtic influence during the Iron Age, Celtic traditions developed during this time are still an important part of its culture today, notably the development of the Manx language. During the 5th Century CE the island was converted to Christianity by Irish missionaries. Vikings from Scandinavia arrived in the 9th Century and Man remained a dependency of Norway until 1266 when it was ceded to Scotland. Today the Isle of man is a self-governing dependency of the British Crown and its people British citizens. 

This pin likely depicts the Manx breed of cat, as the breed originated on the island in the 18th century. A distinctive feature of Manx cats is their lack of tails, which this pin also does not have. 

The Three Legs of Man symbol is thought to have been adopted in the 13th century as a royal coat of arms for three kings on the island. It remained the emblem when the island passed permanently into the control of the English crown and today adorns the islands official flag. The history of the symbol itself goes back to pagan times. It was a symbol associated with the sun, power, and life. The symbol represents resilience, resourcefulness, and hope in the Isle of Man. 

Marks/Labels

The belly of the cat is embellished with the three-legged symbol from the flag of the Isle of Man consisting of three legs with the feet facing outwards, all bent at the knee connected to one another at the centre to form a cohesive shape. 

Accession number “80.5.1317” visible on the back of the pin on the left leg. 

Category