Mether

A mether (/ˈmɛðər/; Irish: meadar) is a communal or 'friendship' drinking vessel from the Celtic tradition, mainly present in Ireland. Originally it was used solely for mead and was made of wood although they might have later added silver ornamentation. The name 'Mether' is said to be derived from 'meth', which is the old name for mead as in the Welsh for mead that is 'medd', and the word 'metheglin' derived from the compound word 'meddyglyn', 'healing liquor'. Wooden methers have been recovered from Irish peat bogs. Another possibility is that the name may come from the Irish Gaelic "Mehill" meaning a 'gathering'.

The best known ancient Mether in Scotland is the Dunvegan Cup, a 10th-century wooden artifact ornamented with silver in the 15th century. Probably Irish in origin, but belonging to the Clan MacLeod, the Dunvegan mether is held in the clan collection at Dunvegan Castle.