What is recorded here

On High Island, a broken mica-schist cross-slab now lies flat as a sidestone between two graves, hiding its carved face from every passing eye. A linear cross once pierced a circle on the concealed north side, its forked arms reaching beyond the boundary like a promise made to someone no longer present. The stone may have marked a name, a warning, or a prayer before the island changed and the graveyard shifted around it.

Within the graveyard (GA021-026026-) on High Island. Recorded by Fisher (2014, 206, no. 10, Fig. 7.2), this incomplete mica-schist cross-slab (H 0.54m; Wth 0.76m; T 0.09m) has been reused as a sidestone between Graves 5 and 6. The decoration, which came to light on the N-facing side during excavations, is totally concealed. It comprises a linear Latin cross centred on a linear circle. The arms of the cross project beyond the circle and end in curving forked terminals. A double-forked terminal superimposed on the upper terminal appears to be a secondary feature. (White Marshall and Rourke 2000, 155, no. 25) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 19 November 2015

This cross-slab likely dates to the early medieval period and was originally a Christian memorial, later reused in a burial context. Its reuse in the graveyard suggests continuity of sacred or commemorative use of the site over time.

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