Cross slab (fragment)

This fragment of a cross slab is one of a number of sculptured stones found at the parish church of Tarbat at Portmahomack in Ross-shire. The site is almost certainly that of a Pictish monastery. The carving was made between 775 and 850.

This fragment is decorated with spiral and trumpet patterns carved in high relief in a style similar to that found on contemporary fine metalwork. The carving is crisp and unworn.

Monumental sculpted stone slabs were produced at religious centres such as Tarbat in early Christian times. Over 20 fragments of carved stone slabs have been found at Tarbat/Portmahomack. They show distinctive and complex styles of design.

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