Description of stone
Date 11 May 2016
Event ID 1010288
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1010288
Dunblane 1 (St Blane), Perthshire, cross-slab
Measurements: H 1.88m, W 0.81m, D 0.20m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NN 7817 0139
Present location: in Dunblane Cathedral.
Evidence for discovery: found during restoration works in 1871 under the Lady Chapel.
Present condition: worn.
Description
This slab is carved in relief on both broad faces. Face A bears a ringed cross with rectangular terminals and sunken circular armpits, which is bordered by a roll moulding that turns into hanging spirals at the top of the upper arm and into upturned zoomorphic heads above the base of the shaft. The base itself extends into spirals on either side. The ring of the cross is carved with single spirals, but the interior of the cross is plain. The ornament on face C is arranged in five registers: at the top there are two seated confronting quadrupeds and a large spiral in the top right corner of the slab; below is a panel containing five bosses and a short panel of square key pattern; below again is a depiction of a ringed free-standing cross and a possible anvil symbol on either side of a mounted horserider carrying a spear and accompanied by a hunting dog; below this is an encircled cross and a random key pattern; and at the foot of the slab is a prone human figure holding a club and a large spiral.
Date: ninth or tenth century.
References: ECMS pt 3, 315-17.
Compiled by A Ritchie 2016
