Cross slab

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This unusual Pictish cross slab was found in 1877, near the churchyard of Papil on the island of Burra in Shetland. It was carved sometime between 700 and 900.

Only one sculptured face survives. This has an equal-armed cross at the top with two clerics on each side of its shaft. Below is a panel with a lion and at the bottom two figures with birds' beaks pecking at a human head.

Other sculptured stones have been found at Papil, where the name implies the site of a monastery ('Papa' is Old Norse for priest).

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-459-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 46
• Date: 7th or 8th century
  Between 700 and 900
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured; on one side a cross of interlaced work and human and other figures
  
• Dimensions: 2140 mm H x 70 mm L x 510 mm W
  
• What:
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Shetland, Papil Burra
  
• Event:
• Description: Pictish cross slab with a cross of interlaced work and figures of clerics carrying books in satchels, from Papil Burra, Shetland, 7th or 8th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
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