Cross slab (fragments)

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These fragments of a cross slab were found at the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. The site is almost certainly that of a Pictish monastery. The carvings were made between 775 and 850.

The three fragments, part of one cross slab, are decorated with fine interlace. There are staggered panels of interlaced serpents and bosses on both sides of the interlace.

The eastern Ross-shire area is rich in Pictish carvings, showing a wealthy church able to commission a variety of carvings. Over 20 fragments of carved stone slabs have been found at Tarbat/Portmahomack. They show distinctive and complex styles of design.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-534-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 280 A-C
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Sandstone, greenish; sculpture remaining on one face only; three pieces showing interlaced cross-shaft flanked by panels of serpents and small bosses
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 340 mm H x 55 mm L x 470 mm W (X.IB 280 B)
  440 mm H x 60 mm L x 250 mm W (X.IB 280 C)
  550 mm H x 50 mm L x 340 mm W (X.IB 280 A)
  
• What: Cross slab / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragments of cross slab showing fine interlace pattern flanked by panels of serpents and small bosses, 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 88-90. 
• Translations:
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