from Craignarget, Gillespie, Glenluce, Wigtownshire

Cross slab

This cross slab was found at Craignarget at Gillespie at Glenluce in Wigtownshire. It was carved with a number of symbols, sometime between 950 and 1100. The range of symbols and their arrangement are unusual.

The rectangular slab, now broken at the top, was carved in low relief, primarily with crosses, circles, dots and a large swastika. Along each vertical edge are a series of irregular cup-shaped hollows and segments of concentric circles.

The swastika occurs as a religious symbol in many cultures. For the Romans it appears to have been symbolic of the sun, and associated with the god Jupiter. It was also used in Christian art, particularly in the eastern church.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-456-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0098: National Museums Scotland Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland X.IB 43
Date:	Between 950 and 1100
Material:	Greywacke; sculptured
Dimensions:	42.00" x 17.00"
What:	Slab
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Wigtownshire, Stoneykirk, Glenluce, Gillespie, Craignarget
Event:
Description:	Sculptured slab of greywacke from Craignarget, Glenluce, Wigtownshire
References:	Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 498-9.
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