Cross shaft

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This sandstone cross shaft, missing its upper part, is one of several sculptured stones found at the old church at Monifieth in Angus. It was carved sometime between 800 and 1000. This is the main side of the cross.

The shaft is divided into panels. At the top is the broken-off figure of Christ on the cross, with St Mary and St John on either side. Below are a pair of saints or clergy, then two men holding horns. At the bottom is the seated David playing a harp.

Depictions of harps on Pictish stones are the earliest evidence of their use in Europe. Two types are shown: a large type which rested on the ground (as here) and smaller hand held instruments.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-444-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 25
• Date: Between 800 and 1000
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured; Crucifixion in relief
  Cross shaft / portion
  
• Dimensions: 1592 mm H (including plinth) x 180 mm L x 290 mm W
  
• What: Cross shaft / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Monifieth
  
• Event:
• Description: Portion of sculptured cross shaft with part of the crucified figure of Christ, from Monifieth
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, p 265. 
• Translations:
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