Graveslab

The National Monuments Service's description

In Sligo Dominican friary (SL014-065008-), on display within an arched recess in the N wall of the chancel, with two other graveslabs (SL014-065032-; SL014-065034-).
This graveslab is complete, though reconstructed from four fragments. Two grooves frame the stone at its edges, and its surface is entirely filled with two Latin inscriptions, carved in Lombardic script, alternating with elaborate decorative and figurative low relief carvings.
The uppermost part of the stone carries an inscription commemorating Donatus MacSuibne and his wife. Underneath this, two soldiers or gallowglasses are depicted in profile, with helmets, long tunics, and the typical long axes, the gallowglasses' weapon of choice. The style of the helmet, in particular, suggests a date in the 16th century. These figures 'stand' on a second inscription, which is now illegible. Beneath this is a beast, possibly a lion, with a curved back and a long folded tail, with what appears to be a mirror image beneath. The lowermost section of the slab features the figure of a bishop flanked by intricate carving of window tracery, late medieval in style.
It is quite an unusual design overall; another graveslab (SL014-065045-) in the chancel presents a somewhat similar decorative scheme, but there are no comparable examples elsewhere in Ireland.

Attached image:
SL014-065033-_01.JPG

Compiled by: Anne-Julie Lafaye

Date of upload: 29 September 2020