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Monymusk Description of stone
Event ID 1021998
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1021998
Monymusk 1, Aberdeenshire, Pictish symbol-bearing cross-slab
Measurements: H over 2.12m, W 0.75m
Stone type: granite
Place of discovery: NJ 703151
Present location: in Monymusk Church.
Evidence for discovery: recorded around 1800 in a field near the River Don, it was taken out and set up beside the road at NJ 7036 1478. By 1903 it had been taken to Monymusk Castle, where it was placed in a recess in the billiard room. Sometime between 1973 and 1985, it was transferred to Monymusk Church.
Present condition: good.
Description
One broad face is carved in partial low relief with an ornate cross. The cross-head has equal arms with square terminals and widely rounded armpits, and a central roundel filled with eight double spirals. Each terminal contains a ring interlaced with a cross. The shaft consists of a simple two-strand plait, which expands to form the foot of the cross. Close to the foot is a step symbol, carved in partial low relief and incision, and set horizontally. Below the step is incised a triple disc symbol with a double outline, which encloses a flower-like design of circles and quatrefoils.
While the stone stood at the roadside, it was incised with an OS benchmark, adjacent to the shaft of the cross.
Date: eighth or ninth century.
References: ECMS pt 3, 192, 193-4; Fraser 2008, no 35.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2017
