Cross slab

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This sandstone cross slab was found in the churchyard at Scoonie in Fife. It was probably carved in the 8th century. It shows a fusion of native and Christian elements, with both secular and religious scenes depicted.

This side of the stone is a cross. Although now very weathered, enough detail survives to show that it was carved with interlace decoration.

With the introduction of Christianity, the Pictish symbols found on earlier carvings were incorporated into Christian sculptures. However, the cross became the most important part of the stone.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-475-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 110
• Date: 8th century
  
• Material: Stone; showing men on horseback, dogs, deer, the so-called Elephant symbol and Ogham inscription
  Stone
  
• Dimensions: 1500 mm H x 120 mm L x 760 mm W
  
• What: Stone
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Fife, Scoonie
  
• Event:
• Description: Stone showing hunters on horseback, hounds and deer, from Scoonie, Fife
  
• References:
  • Allen, J. R. & Anderson, J. The early Christian monuments of Scotland. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 1903, vol. 2, pp 347. 
• Translations:
• Related Records: