Piece of slate with Latin lettering

Add to album

This piece of slate is one of several incised with insular Latin lettering found at St. Blane's on Bute in the Inner Hebrides. It dates from between 800 and 1000.

The slate has a large letter and interlaced pattern, both of which can be paralleled on illuminated manuscripts of the period.

Latin was brought to Scotland by the Christian church. Most people, however, were illiterate. Slate has long been used as trial pieces for experimental work, both drawings and writing.

Record details

To search on related items, click any underlined text below.

• Online ID: 000-100-039-051-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GQ 53
• Date: Between 800 and 1000
  
• Material: Slate; incised with small square of interlaced work and large three limbed letter
  Slate / portion
  
• Dimensions: 3.75" x 2.75"
  
• What: Slate / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Bute, St Blane's
  
• Event:
• Description: Rectangular piece of slate incised with a small square of interlaced work and large three limbed letter, from St Blane's, Bute
  
• References:
• Translations:
• Related Records: