Cross-slab in Gallen

Fragmentary sandstone cross-slab (dims. 0.74m x 0.51m x 0.07m) unearthed by Kendrick during his excavations in 1935 at Gallen priory. Described by Macalister as a slab with a 'wheel cross' (Macalister 1949, 75) which bears an inscription --]A[M]ACCATHAIL, that can be expanded to --]A [M]AC CATHAIL (Macalister 1949, 75). The cross design is identical to the cross-slab (OF014-029037-) which possibly bears an inscription now mainly lost. These two cross-slabs may be the same slab. Reference Macalister, R.A.S. 1949 75, Plate XLV drawing concise discussion Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Likely dating to the early medieval period, the cross-slab may have been part of a Christian monument associated with the Gallen priory. The wheel cross design suggests a symbolic Christian function, possibly for ritual or commemorative use.