Sculptured stone (piece)

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This piece of a sculptured stone was found in the churchyard at Dull in Perthshire. It is possibly part of a slab-built tomb. The carving dates from the 9th century.

The scene appears to depict a war band. On the left a group of warriors carry round shields. To the right of them are two horsemen armed with spears, also carrying round shields. Each of the horsemen has a dog wearing a collar.

Pictish warriors are often depicted on monumental stones, providing some evidence of their weapons. Shields are of two types: square or oblong in shape, or more commonly, as here, small and round. This stone shows that shields were decorated.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-465-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 58
• Date: Between 800 and 900
  
• Material: Sandstone; bearing figures of men with shields, horsemen and dog in relief
  Slab
  
• Dimensions: 420 mm H x 110 mm L x 810 mm W
  
• What: Slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Perthshire, Dull
  
• Event:
• Description: Sculptured slab showing warriors and two horsemen, from Dull
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, p 315. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: