From Tarbat, Portmahomack, Ross-Shire

Cross slab (fragment)

This fragment of a cross slab is one of a number of sculptured stones found at the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. The site is almost certainly that of a Pictish monastery. The carving was made between 775 and 850.

The fragment preserves the lower part of a cross slab. The border is carved with a vine scroll, almost identical to that on the nearby Hilton of Cadboll stone. The central scene, now much defaced, has a horse and rider, other figures and animals.

The eastern Ross-shire area is rich in Pictish carvings, showing a wealthy church able to commission a variety of carvings. Many of the stones blend Pictish symbols with Christian crosses and scenes, in carvings which relate to manuscripts and metalwork.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-100-043-498-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 190
Date:	Between 775 and 850
Material:	Stone; lower part
Dimensions:	960 mm H x 200 mm L x 1110 mm W
What:	Cross slab / portion
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Ross and Cromarty, Tarbat (Churchyard)
Event:
Description:	Lower part of a cross slab with hunting scene and inhabited vine scroll, from Tarbat, Ross and Cromarty
References:	Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 73-5.
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