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.

The fragment preserves the lower part of a cross slab. The border is carved with a vine scroll, almost identical to that on the nearby Hilton of Cadboll stone. The central scene, now much defaced, has a horse and rider, other figures and animals.

The eastern Ross-shire area is rich in Pictish carvings, showing a wealthy church able to commission a variety of carvings. Many of the stones blend Pictish symbols with Christian crosses and scenes, in carvings which relate to manuscripts and metalwork.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-498-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 190
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Stone; lower part
  Cross slab / portion
  
• Dimensions: 960 mm H x 200 mm L x 1110 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat (Churchyard)
  
• Event:
• Description: Lower part of a cross slab with hunting scene and inhabited vine scroll, 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 73-5. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: