Cross slab (fragment)

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This fragment of a cross slab is one of a number of sculptured stones found at the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. The site is almost certainly that of a Pictish monastery. The carving was made between 775 and 850.

This fragment is decorated with spiral and trumpet patterns carved in high relief in a style similar to that found on contemporary fine metalwork. The carving is crisp and unworn.

Monumental sculpted stone slabs were produced at religious centres such as Tarbat in early Christian times. Over 20 fragments of carved stone slabs have been found at Tarbat/Portmahomack. They show distinctive and complex styles of design.

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-484-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 130
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Stone; ornamented with double spirals
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 150 mm H x 40 mm L x 265 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of cross slab with high relief spiral and trumpet patterns, from Tarbat, Ross and Cromarty
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 91-2. 
• Translations:
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