Cross - High cross

The National Monuments Service's description

This record refers to two separate components of a high cross, first recorded and illustrated by Wood-Martin (1882, 305-306): a broken cross shaft (see DU018-181----) now in the National Museum of Ireland and the base block of the cross (SL008-084008-) located in Drumcliff graveyard (SL008-084002-).
The cross shaft (see DU018-181----), represented by two fragments, one from the base of the shaft and one from a section of the shaft just below the ring, is described in detail by Harbison (1992, 73). The fragments have roll moulding on their outer edges. The lower fragment has on one face an intact panel of four paired spirals, the interlace interlocking at centre to create a small cruciform design. Above this is a carving of an animal; only its legs are intact, the upper section of the scene is broken off, but Harbison suggests that it depicts David slaying the Lion. The opposite face also has a panel of interlaced spirals. Above this are three human figures, each dressed in long robe, standing side by side; their upper bodies are broken off, and the meaning of the scene is unknown.
The upper fragment of the shaft features two intact biblical scenes on each face. One face depicts Old Testaments events: Abraham sacrificing Isaac, and above that Daniel in the Lions’ Den. Two New Testament scenes on the other face are interpreted by Harbison as the Resurrection, with the central figure of Christ flanked by two angels and at his feet two sleeping soldiers; and above that, the Mocking of Christ, which shows a central figure flanked by two figures, each wielding a stick or weapon. (Harbison 1992, 73).
The cross base (SL008-084008-) remains in the graveyard, 18m S of the SE corner of the church. It consists of a rectangular block of worked stone (base 0.90m x 0.65m; H 0.28m) which tapers towards the top (0.73m x 0.40m). The socket (0.47m x 0.32m; D 0.05m deep) is broken on its two longer sides. It is devoid of decoration.

Attached image:
SL008-084008-_01 cross base viewed from SW
SL008-084008-_02 cross base viewed from NE

Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy

Date of upload: 11 November 2020