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Benvie Church
Cross Slab (Pictish)
Site Name Benvie Church
Classification Cross Slab (Pictish)
Alternative Name(s) Benvie, Old Kirkyard
Canmore ID 72530
Site Number NO33SW 6.01
NGR NO 3283 3145
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/72530
- Council Angus
- Parish Liff And Benvie (Angus)
- Former Region Tayside
- Former District City Of Dundee
- Former County Angus
Benvie, Angus, Pictish cross-slab
Measurements: H 0.91m above ground level, W 0.58m, D 0.10m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NO 3283 3145
Present location: McManus Museum and Art Gallery, Dundee (DUNMG 1991-173).
Evidence for discovery: first recorded in the mid nineteenth century in the churchyard, the stone was taken into the museum in Dundee in 1991. Excavation revealed that it was not in its original location.
Present condition: there is damage to faces D & E and to the right-hand side of face C, together with general weathering to the carved surfaces.
Description
This small cross-slab is carved in relief on four faces. Within a wide plain flat-band moulding on face A is a cross spanning the width and height of the slab, outlined with roll moulding. The upper and side arms have squared terminals and contain knotted serpents. The central part of the cross-head is plain apart from a central lozenge, and the armpits are circular. Another knotted serpent fills the shaft, this time with two median lines within the body. The spaces between the arms and on either side of the shaft are occupied by panels outlined by roll mouldings, the inner corners of which expand into pairs of spirals within each armpit. The top two panels contain frontal angels, and the lower panels contain pairs of entwined serpentine creatures. Those on the left face one another with a cruciform object between their jaws, while those on the right face away from one another.
Face C is bordered by a wide flat-band moulding, within which are two asymmetrical panels outlined by roll moulding, each containing a mounted warrior riding to the left. An extra decorative border partially surrounds the larger horseman in the top panel. Both warriors have heavy moustaches, pleated robes, circular shields slung on their left sides and a spear in their right hands. The upper horseman is accompanied by a small hound.
Narrow face B has a single panel filled with two entwined serpents, and face D is filled with square key pattern.
Date range: ninth century.
Primary references: Stuart 1856, pl 126; ECMS pt 3, 347-9.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2018
Publication Account (1987)
This tiny churchyard has some fine 18th century tombstones as well as an excellent late Pictish cross-slab. All four sides of this slab are decorated with bold and confidently executed designs, neatly arranged. The cross is infilled with animal interlace, and it is flanked by angels and pairs of entwined beasts, while the back of the slab shows two panels each containing a fierce warrior on horseback They have round shields, swords and spears and they sport large drooping moustaches. The sides bear animal interlace and key pattern.
A number of fine Pictish stones has been found along the north side of the Tay, including stones so closely related in style to Benvie that they may have come from the same workshop (these came from Invergowrie on the outskirts of Dundee; now in RMS). Two magnificent slabs are unfortunately inaccessible to the public at Rossie Priory and St Madoes Church, but the stone from Inchyra may be seen in Perth Museum.
Information from ‘Exploring Scotland’s Heritage: Fife and Tayside’, (1987).
Excavation (October 1991)
This stone is now in Dundee Museum (Accession no DUNMG 1991-173). Prior to its removal in October 1991, a limited excavation was undertaken which demonstrated that the stone had been erected on this position in the late 19th century. It is probable that the 17th-century recumbent grave stones immediately E of where the stone stood were also placed there at this time. Examination of the graveyard soils below the foundation cut for the stone suggested that the graveyard had been substantially landscaped and built up during the early 19th century.
Sponsors: City of Dundee District Council, HS, NMS.
R M Spearman 1991.
Note
NO33SW 6.01 3283 3145
Removed to Dundee Museum, October 1991. For church see NO33SW 6.
