Ancient tombstone

Located immediately to S of a church (MA033A003004-), in the SE quadrant of a cashel (MA033A003001-), on Duvillaun More Island. This cross slab is indicated as 'Ancient tombstone' on the 1930 OS 6-inch map. It consisting of an upright, roughly rectangular slab (H 1.9m; Wth 0.68m, 0.45m at top; T .009m), with a Greek cross enclosed in a circle on the E face, and a crucifixion scene on the W face. The finely executed cross-in-circle (diam. 0.61m) is incised in the centre of the E face, and spans the full width of the slab. The crucifixion scene on the W face consists of the grooved outline of a cross (H 1.23m; Wth shaft (0.2m); Wth arms 0.64m) which fills much of the height of the slab, with the arms spanning the full breadth of the slab. The figure of Christ is carved in outline on the cross, with anatomical features such as eyes, fingers, and ribs indicated in rudimentary style by simple incised grooves. The carving is somewhat weathered, the facial features being particularly faint. It is notable for the use of twin spirals to embellish the chest, and similarly paired spirals to depict the loin cloth. Two figures (H 0.35m left figure, H 0.45m right figure), drawn at a much smaller scale, flank the cross, and are identifiable as the two Roman soldiers, Stephaton and Longinus, by the lance each carries. The figure on the right-hand side, whose spear reaches towards Christ's head, appears to be Stephaton, the sponge-bearer, and the figure on the left, whose spear pierces Christ's side appears to be Longinus. The carvings on both faces of the slab are now partly overlain by a growth of grey lichen. The cross slab stands towards the W end of a possible slab-lined burial (MA033A003003-). Attached images: MA033A003002-_01.JPG Crucifixion scene on W face of cross-slab MA033A003002-_02.JPG Crucifixion scene on W face of cross-slab MA033A003002-_03.JPG Cross-in-circle on E face of cross-slab Compiled by: Jane O'Shaughnessy Date of upload: 27 February 2018

This cross slab, likely dating to the early medieval period (5th–10th century), may have served as a Christian memorial or ecclesiastical marker, associated with the nearby church and cashel. Its location suggests a connection to early monastic or burial activity in the area.