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Publication Account
Date 1987
Event ID 1016949
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Publication Account
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1016949
The first is a tall, elegantly tapering slab, over 3 m above its modem plinth; in later times its role in village life included punishment, for an iron chain fixed to the cross-shaft probably attached the jougs or collar by which an offender might be held on public view. An unusual feature is the protruding arms of the cross: the two horizontal arms extend some 6 cm from the sides of the slab as an optical device to convey the impression of a free-standing cross. This is unique in Pictish art, but the device was used in Ireland and here perhaps betrays Irish influence. Unfortunately, the effects of weathering have all but obliterated the details of what was once a fine example of the sculptor's skill. Traces of interlace decoration survive on the shaft of the cross, key-patterning on the anus, and an arrangement of eight bosses round a central boss fills the centre of the cross-head. The back of the slab bore two insignificantly small symbols, a double disc and Z-rod at the top and a crescent and V-rod bottom left, together with horsemen, animals and a unique scene showing a man leading a cow with a bell round its neck, followed by a line of six bearded men walking abreast.
Inside the church is another cross-slab, lacking symbols and dating to the 9th century. It had been built into the fabric of the church and is therefore better preserved than the one on the village green. The carving is confined to one side and depicts a ring-headed cross on a splayed base, decorated with interlace, spirals and key-pattern. Motifs filling the background include Jonah being swallowed by the whale, two clerics seated on finely depicted chairs (note the animal-headed chairback on the left), and four standing figures in decorative robes. This stone is notable for the rich detail of its carving. The church itself was built originally in the 13th century and was attractively restored early this century.
Information from ‘Exploring Scotland’s Heritage: Fife and Tayside’, (1987).
