Back of a Pictish cross slab

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This is the back of a Pictish cross slab, carved in the 9th century. For many years the slab was built into a window opening of an old ruined church at Invergowrie in Perthshire.

The back has a panel of three figures, probably clerics, holding books. The central figure is holding an object resembling a censer, a container for burning incense. Below, biting each other's tails, are two dragonlike beasts.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-190-001-223-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 251
• Date: 9th century
  Late 9th century
  
• Material: Sandstone; sculptured on the front
  Cross slab
  
• Dimensions: 1300 mm H x 140 mm L x 550 mm W (Height includes plinth)
  
• What: Cross slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Invergowrie Church
  
• Event:
• Description: Pictish cross slab of sandstone decorated with a ringed cross on the front, and three figures on the reverse, from Invergowrie Church, Angus, late 9th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
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