Cross-slab in Inchcleraun

On Inchcleraun Island. This cross-slab was recorded and illustrated by Stokes (1872, vol. 1, 75; pl. 74, no. 177). The illustration indicates that it is an unusual framed outline expansional cross. The frame is wider at the head than at the base and the top part of it has a convex curve. There is a rectangular panel at the centre of the cross and the arms and base have semicircular expansions. The upper part of the cross has a gradual flared expansion and is axe-shaped. Each corner of the frame is cut off by an arc defining a quarter circle, though the two lower arcs are cut across by the basal expansion of the cross. The inscription, ARMEDA, is spread over the two left-hand quadrants. It was not located. (English 1971, 148) Compiled by: Patrick F. O'Donovan, Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 6 June 2013

Probably dating to the early medieval period, this cross-slab likely served a Christian ritual or commemorative function, reflecting the spread of Christianity in the region. Its distinctive framed expansional design may indicate local artistic traditions or regional variation in Insular cross-carving.