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Archaeology Notes
Date 1990
Event ID 686160
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Archaeology Notes
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/686160
NO24SE 25.5 2872 4459.
This cross-slab, also found during the dismantling of the malt-kiln at Templehall (NO 2874 4467), is carved in high relief on both sides. The slab measures some 0.72m in height, up to 0.52m in breadth and 0.16m in thickness. On the front, within a raised border carved with interlace, there is an equal-armed cross with quadrilobate ring and a square central panel of spiral decoration; the upper part of the cross and the right corner of the slab are worn and broken, and the remainder of the surface of the cross can be seen to have been decorated with key-pattern. The rounded base or pedestal encloses encircled interlace and has voluted angles with beasts' head terminals. In the spaces formed between the cross and the border there are three surviving figures: a beast biting its back; a fabulous beast with large eyes and a curling tail; and a bird swallowing a serpent. A single panel on the back contains a horseman, with the upper part of the figure broken off, within a heavy plain border. The tunic, patterned saddle-cloth, sword and shoe are, however, very distinctly shown. Two symbols have been incised on the right edge - a mirror-case and a 'Pictish beast'. Information from RCAHMS (JNGR) 1990.
