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.

The fragment preserves the lower part of a cross slab. The border is carved with a vine scroll, almost identical to that on the nearby Hilton of Cadboll stone. The central scene, now much defaced, has a horse and rider, other figures and animals.

The eastern Ross-shire area is rich in Pictish carvings, showing a wealthy church able to commission a variety of carvings. Many of the stones blend Pictish symbols with Christian crosses and scenes, in carvings which relate to manuscripts and metalwork.

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