Crucifixion plaque

The National Monuments Service's description

On the N side of a holy well (SL046-013001-), set into a stone wall on top of which is a set of cursing stones (SL046-013004-). The plaque consists of a limestone slab (H 0.51m; Wth 0.31m) on which is carved a crucifixion scene in relief. The arms of the cross extend the full width of the slab while the base of the shaft terminates on a low plinth. The head of the Christ figure is disproportionately large with simplified facial features while the hair and beard have been depicted with considerable attention to detail. Several symbols of the crucifixion are also depicted including a ladder and a bird as well as instruments of the passion, some of which are partially eroded. The plaque is centrally placed in the wall facade and is flanked on each side by two large vertically set limestone slabs. The slab immediately to the right bears a now worn inscription which was read by Wood-Martin (1892, 368) as 'IHS 1662 11. 1: G'.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Sligo' compiled by Ursula Egan, Elizabeth Byrne, Mary Sleeman with Sheila Ronan and Connie Murphy (Dublin Stationery Office, 2005).

Date of upload: 18 January 2008