Cross slab (piece)

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This piece of a sandstone cross slab was found along with two other sculptured stones when the old church at Kingoldrum in Angus was pulled down. It was carved between 800 and 900.

The slab was carved with a cross in relief. The arms and shaft of the cross were decorated with a fretwork pattern, in places crudely executed. The centre was carved with a triple spiral. The back of the slab has been defaced.

Elaborate Christian sculptures served several purposes. Some may have been memorials, while others made statements about political or ecclesiastical power. They could mark boundaries, define areas of sanctuary, or be a focus for religious practice.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-104-154-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 40
• Date: 800 - 900
  Between 800 and 900
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured, bearing on obverse a cross ornamented with fretwork, reverse defaced
  Stone
  
• Dimensions: 24.00" x 15.00"
  
• What: Stone
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Kingoldrum
  
• Event:
• Description: Sculptured stone with a cross ornamented with fretwork on obverse, from Kingoldrum, Angus, 800 - 900
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 257-8. 
• Translations:
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