Back of a cross slab

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This is the back of a cross slab found at the old castle of Woodwray in Angus. It was carved between 800 and 900 with a hunting scene, a popular theme on Pictish stones, together with two Pictish symbols.

Only a few fragments remain on the back. In the top panel is a man on a horse with two Pictish symbols, the double disc and rectangle, displayed beside him. Below is another rider and parts of several fantastic beasts.

As beliefs changed and Christianity was gradually adopted, the importance of Pictish symbols declined. They continued to be carved alongside Christian symbols, but the cross replaced them as the most important part of the stone.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-218-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 202
• Date: 7th or 8th century
  Between 800 and 900
  
• Material: Sandstone, red; sculptured on both sides in relief
  Cross slab
  
• Dimensions: 2110 mm H x 160 mm L x 1000 mm W
  
• What: Cross slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Woodrae
  
• Event:
• Description: Cross slab of red sandstone decorated in relief with Pictish symbols, men on horseback and fantastic beasts, from Woodrae, Angus, 7th or 8th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
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