of Pluscarden Abbey, near Elgin, Moray

Seal impression (cast)

This is a 19th century sulphur cast of a seal impression. The impression was made from the seal of Pluscarden Abbey near Elgin in Moray, possibly dating to the 15th century.

The seal depicts the Descent into Hell, with the Saviour rescuing two naked figures, perhaps Adam and Eve, from the dragon's mouth. The inscription 'SIGILL. CONVENTVS VALLIS SATE ANDREE IN MORAVIA' identifies the Abbey. The gold border is modern cardboard trim.

Seals are evidence of the paperwork involved in running a complex organisation. They were signs of the medieval Church's huge authority, combining the functions of signature and logo to show that documents were genuine.

Record details

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Online ID:	000-180-001-758-C
Image Rights Holder:	National Museums Scotland
Project:	0504: National Museums Scotland Part 2 Project description \| View all records in project
Ref:	National Museums Scotland K.1999.1389
Date:	Date of cast: 19th century; Date of seal: Possibly 15th century
Material:	Sulphur; brown. Inscription: SIGILL' . CONVENTVS VALLIS SATE ANDREE IN MORAVIA
Dimensions:	61 mm L x 45 mm W
What:	Seal / cast
Subject:
Who:
Where:	Scotland, Moray, Pluscarden
Event:
Description:	Brown sulphur cast of the seal of Pluscarden Abbey, depicting the Saviour with naked figures, possibly 15th century
References:	Stevenson and Wood, i, p. 198, no 234 Stevenson, J.H. and Wood, M. Scottish Heraldic Seals - Royal, Official, Ecclesiastical, Collegiate, Burghal, Personal, vol i. Glasgow, 1940, p 198, no 234.
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