Cross slab

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This cross slab was recognised in 1865 in the disused burial ground of the ruined church of Kilbar on Barra in the Outer Hebrides. It was carved with an inscription in Scandinavian runes sometime between 900 and 1100. This picture shows the back.

The back has a runic inscription, set out in two lines reading vertically downwards. The inscription reads: 'This cross was raised in memory of Thorgerth, daughter of Steinar'.

In the early Historic period three alphabets were current: Latin, brought by the Christian church; ogham, originally developed by the Irish and used by both Scots and Picts; and runes brought by the Scandinavians. Most people, however, were illiterate.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-207-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 102
• Date: 10th to early 11th century
  Between 900 and 1100
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured Celtic cross and inscription in runes
  
• Dimensions: 1500 mm H x 90 mm L x 390 mm W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who: Steinar
  Thorgerth
  
• Where: Scotland, Inverness-shire, Barra, Kilbar
  
• Event:
• Description: Nordic cross slab with a runic inscription on the reverse, reading 'This cross was raised in memory of Thorgerth, daughter of Steinar', from Kilbar, Barra, 10th - early 11th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
• Related Records: