Cross slab

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This sandstone cross slab is one of several found in the church at Monifieth in Angus. It was probably carved in the 9th century. It shows a fusion of native and Christian elements, with both secular and religious motifs depicted.

This side has three panels framed by bird-headed monsters. At the top is a beast and an animal head. In the lower left appears to be a woman wearing a penannular brooch. The lower right panel has a Pictish symbol, the crescent and V-rod, set on its side.

Interpreting the scenes on Pictish carvings can be difficult. Is this a religious scene, or a secular scene with symbols of power? The continuing use of the Pictish symbol on a Christian stone has many other parallels, but its symbolism is also unknown.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-446-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 27
• Date: Between 800 and 900
  
• Material: Sandstone, grey; cross on one side, figures and symbols on other
  Slab
  
• Dimensions: 840 mm H x 100 mm L x 310 mm W (Height includes plinth)
  
• What: Slab
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Angus, Monifieth
  
• Event:
• Description: Slab of grey sandstone with a cross on one side and figures and symbols on the other, from Monifieth
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 229-30. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: