Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

This slab stands on the leacht (DG089-018012-) and is described by Herity (1995, 98, No. 03a) as follows: ‘Regular triangular slab, 51cm tall, between 12.5 and 14cm in thickness and 20.5cm in maximum width but narrowing from apex to butt; there are crosses cut near the apex on both broad faces. The manner in which the stone has fractured gives one broad, relatively flat face (Face A) which fills the outline of the stone and on the obverse a surface (Face B) which is a narrower, shorter facet, 37.5cm long by 14.5cm broad.
Face A: Carved near the apex is a simple but well-carved cross, 20cm tall and 15cm across the arms, with simple slightly rounded terminals. The cutting is in cleanly marked but shallow channels with rounded base. Traces of red paint mark the cross on this face.
Face B: Carved at the very top of the facet on this side is a simple cross similar to, but less regular than that on Face A, 13.5cm tall and 10.5cm across the arms; the cutting of the grooves is similar but more shallow than on Face A. No red paint is visible on this face of the slab.’ (Walsh 1983, 61 (D), Fig. 21, e, f)

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 2 February 2014

Image DG089-018016-_01 (taken 21 July 1983): Face A.

References

Walsh, P. 1983 The monastic settlement on Rathlin O'Birne Island, County Donegal. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 113, 53-66.

Herity, M. 1995 Two Island Hermitages in the Atlantic: Rathlin O'Birne, Donegal, and Caher Island, Mayo. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 125, 85-128.