Wall monument

The National Monuments Service's description

This carved stone is set on the ground and just inside the boundary wall immediately E of the entrance to Gallow graveyard (ME049-004001-). It is trapezoidal in profile and measures 0.67m L at the base 0.125 at the top and is 0.31m H: its thickness varies from 0.15m to 0.2m. The top of the stone has a small projecting tenon (85mm x 35mm and 20mm H) and this clearly was intended to fit into the mortise of some additional feature, possibly a cross. The stone, as currently positioned, is carved on the W face: the E face, or back, is not dressed in any significant manner and, inasmuch as the stone varies in thickness, it does not seem likely that it was originally intended for this face to be visible. Rather, it is possible that it was set into a wall or formed part of a wall-monument. The original province of the stone is unknown and it more than likely came from the church (ME049-004----). The W face of the stone is divided into three panels with false relief carving. The central vertical panel corresponds in width with the top of the trapezoid. It bears a fine carving of the seated figure of Christ who is shown bound and is accompanied by various crucifixion symbols (hammer, nails, ladder and spear). This scene is flanked on either side by two triangular panels each of which contains a winged robed figure – clearly angels – holding stylized palm branches in each hand, the stems of which curve beneath them in the manner of a skipping rope; possibly based on Revelations (7:9) where reference is made to angels and multitudes wearing white robes holding palm branches in their hands. The top and bottom corners of these panes contain stylized bunches of grapes (top) and vine-leaf motifs (bottom) arranged in a triketra formation. While these motifs would fit well within the canon of late-16th century sculpture the angelic figures are more 17th century in character: a date in this region would not be incompatible with the evidence.

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 18 July 2013