After Partition occurred, Ireland as a whole entered a period of civil war, from 1922 to 1923. This was a time where symbols were continuously contested in order to fit the needs of those utilizing them. This stamp was the first postage stamp to be printed in Ireland since Partition. This was part of a regular series issued by the Irish Free State between 1922 to 1937, along with other stamps depicting images of the Claidheamh Soluis (the Sword of Light), the Cross of Cong (Celtic Cross), and a shield with the arms of all four of the provinces. This map of Ireland shows the island nation in the middle of an arch that says “éire” which is the name of the matron goddess of Ireland, which echoes back to the pagan, Gaelic past. There is also elements of interlace throughout the entire piece, which further echoes to Ireland’s past. Overall, this stamp shows that Ireland has independence from Britain and could make their own stamps, a right that would have been taken away due to Home Rule.
*This stamp was re-issued in 1972 as a commemoration of the 50th anniversary of independence*