Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

In the SE end of the graveyard (GA021-026026-) on High Island. Recorded by Fisher (2014, 85, 201, no. 1, Fig. 7.1), this cross-slab (H 0.97m; Wth 0.31m; T 0.02-0.03m) of garnet mica-schist formed the footstone of Grave 1, which contained skeletal remains dating from the early 11th to the late 12th century. It was probably reused. It tapers slightly to a rounded base and expands with convex armpits in the upper part to form a minimal cross with a squared head. Both faces are decorated. The E face bears irregular notches which define the head of an outline Latin cross. Irregular bosses are evident in the upper armpits. A central roundel encloses an equal-armed linear cross, the three upper limbs of which terminate in forks. This decoration on this face is similar to that on the E face of the headstone on Grave 2 (see GA026-021033-). On the W face a similar linear cross is set on a boss. This cross-slab is now in the care of the OPW (Athenry depot, Co. Galway, see GA084-151011-). A replica has been placed on site. (White Marshall and Rourke 2000, 147, no. 12)

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 18 November 2015

References

White Marshall, J. and Rourke, G.D. 2000 High Island: an Irish monastery in the Atlantic. Dublin. Town House and Country House.

Fisher, I. (revised by Scally, G. and Maddern, C.) 2014 Catalogue of cross-slabs. In G. Scally, High Island (Ardoileán), Co. Galway: Excavation of an early medieval monastery. Archaeological Monograph Series 10. Dublin. The Stationery Office.