Cross-slab in An Lóthar

This slab stands at the NW corner of the leacht (KE106-007007-) and is 1.16m high and measures .26m x .16m at base. Its W face, dressed to a smooth finish, bears a finely executed outline Latin cross with expanded arms and upper shaft. Beneath its arms are versions of the alpha and omega symbols, while two small dots occur below the base of the shaft. Henry proposed that the design on this slab was based on seventh century manuscript illustrations (1948, 177), though it has also been suggested that metal altar-crosses of Coptic type may have provided models for it (Sheehan 1990c, 164). The slab is locally referred to as an leac chaol. The above description is derived from O'Sullivan, A. and Sheehan, J. (compilers) 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University press. (1996), no. 963. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload: 13 June 2013

Likely dating to the early medieval period, this cross-slab may have served a Christian commemorative or waymarking function. The Latin cross suggests a ecclesiastical or ritual significance, possibly associated with a nearby early church or monastic site.