Front of a cross slab

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This cross slab is said to have been found on Culbinsgarth on Bressay in Shetland sometime before 1859. Its sculptor was probably influenced by another Shetland stone from Papil on the Island of Burra. It was carved sometime between 800 and 1000.

The top is framed by two monsters, swallowing a human figure held between their jaws. The upper part of the slab has a cross with expanded arms within a circle. Below is a horseman and two clerics, while at the bottom is a lion and another animal.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-474-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 109
• Date: 9th or 10th century
  Between 800 and 1000
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured with interlaced work and figures on both sides; ogham inscriptions on both edges
  Cross slab
  
• Dimensions: 1640 mm H x 60 mm L x 420 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Bressay
  
• Event:
• Description: Cross slab sculptured with interlaced work and figures on both sides and ogham inscriptions on both edges, from Bressay, Shetland, 9th or 10th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R. B. K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
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