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 cross slab is decorated on two faces. On this side the stone was carved with trumpet spirals, now quite damaged.

In early Christian times there were centres where monumental stone sculpture was practised. These are associated with religious settlements, such as at Tarbat. The surviving carved stones from there display distinctive and complex styles of design.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-539-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 285
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Sandstone, greenish; triangular; considerably damaged; sculpture on two faces; front, trumpet spirals; back, interlace
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 210 mm H x 200 mm L x 230 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of cross slab with scroll work on one face and interlace on the other, 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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