Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

In the SE end of the graveyard (GA021-026026-) on High Island. Recorded by Fisher (2014, 203, no. 5, Fig. 7.1), this is one of three decorated cross-slabs (see also GA021-026037- and GA021-026038-) associated with Grave 3. It may be associated with the pre-church phase of the grave. It is a short-armed cruciform slab (H 0.94m; Wth 0.39m) of garnet mica-schist, which was incorporated into the external face of the E wall of the church (GA021-026014-) and it forms the headstone of the grave. Both faces are decorated. The cross-head on the E face bears three incised circles forming a double roundel. The concealed W face is decorated with a cross with expanded arms and sunken armpits. A central double roundel encloses a linear Greek cross superimposed on an outline Greek cross with flaring arms. The cross-slab is now in the care of the OPW (Athenry depot, Co. Galway, see GA084-151013-). A replica has been placed on site. (White Marshall and Rourke 2000, 150-51, no. 17)

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Date of upload: 19 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.