Cross slab

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This 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, with a mixture of Christian motifs and Pictish symbols.

This side is carved in deep relief. At the top right is a seated figure, surrounded by a variety of Pictish symbols including a stepped rectangle, a mirror, a comb and a crescent.

Interpreting the scenes on Pictish carvings can be difficult. On the other side is a cross, but this side seems taken up with secular issues. The Pictish symbols appear on pre-Christian symbol stones, but their meanings remain obscure.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-004-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 39
• Date: Between 800 and 900
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured; bearing on obverse a cross ornamented with fretwork; symbols on reverse
  
• Dimensions: 1030 mm H (including plinth) x 130 mm L x 400 mm W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Kingoldrum
  
• Event:
• Description: Cross slab bearing a cross ornamented with fretwork on the obverse, with symbols on the reverse, from Kingoldrum, Angus
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, p 226. 
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