Ogham is often and correctly associated with the Picts. However, it was also the alphabet used by the Gaels of ancient Ireland and Scotland before they adopted Roman scratchings. The aibidil is sometimes known as the Ogham Chraobh or 'tree Ogham'. This most probably stems from our version of the 'ABC' or beith-luis-nuin with trees being used to represent each letter. It is also thought that Ogham was most often written on sticks, trees and other wooden objects though obviously it is only the stone carvings that remain.
The artwork chosen for these t-shirts are representations left, as far as I'm aware, by the Picts. The fish or 'salmon of knowledge' is part of Gaelic culture though. Did this originate in Pictish culture? I'm not sure though it has been suggested that the clàrsach, modern symbol or Ireland, was originally a Pictish totem. Certainly an idea for a future Scottish t-shirt design.
For those interested in further exploration of the Picts, ancient Gaels and marriage of the two cultures, here's a wee list for starters. Gu math a thèid leat.
Interesting Google group discussion on John Purser's A cry of prayer/ Eigh Urnaigh - music from knotwork and the Pictish clàrsach 'spreading west to Ireland'.
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