Fragment of a sandstone cross slab

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This fragment of a sandstone cross slab is one of a number found around the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. It was carved sometime between 775 and 850.

The fragment is carved with a key pattern in deep relief.

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.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-538-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 284
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Sandstone, greenish; triangular; with bold meander pattern
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 350 mm H x 60 mm L x 140 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of cross slab with key design, 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, p 93. 
• Translations:
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