Mortlach Description of stone
Event ID 1036955
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Early Medieval Carved Stones Project
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1036955
Mortlach, Battle Stone, Moray, Pictish cross-slab
Measurements: H 1.83m above ground, W 0.56m, D 0.18m
Stone type: green slate
Place of discovery: NJ 3237 3928
Present location: set in a path in the churchyard.
Evidence for discovery: first recorded in 1832 in a field beyond the graveyard and later moved into the latter.
Present condition: weathered.
Description
This slab is carved on both broad faces. Face A bears an outline cross with rounded armpits, with incised running spiral ornament. Above the cross are two poorly delineated sea-monsters facing one another, while below is a clumsy attempt at a lion facing right. On face B are incised a bird facing left over a serpent over a bull’s head, above a horseman and hound.
Date: eighth or ninth century
References: Skene 1832, p 41; ECMS pt 3, 155-6; Fraser 2008, no 161.1.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2018.
