Cross slab (fragments)

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These fragments of cross slabs are two 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 carvings were made between 775 and 850.

The circular fragment has a raised ring decorated with interlace and a key-pattern, surrounding seven small bosses. The triangular fragment preserves the edge of the stone and one small boss.

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: 000-190-004-093-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 283
• Date: Between 775 and 850
  
• Material: Sandstone, greenish; circular; with a raised ring decorated with interlace and key pattern surrounding seven small bosses
  Sandstone, greenish; piece from edge; one small boss
  Cross slab / fragment
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Dimensions: 150 mm H x 50 mm L x 220 mm W
  290 mm H x 60 mm L x 310 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab / fragment
  Cross slab / fragment
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat
  
• Event:
• Description: Fragment of cross slab with one small boss, from Tarbat, Ross and Cromarty
  Fragment of cross slab with wreath enclosing seven 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 90-1. 
• Translations:
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