Inscribed stone in Cregganna More

One of the large irregularly shaped limestone boulders forming the basal layer of the wall of the ecclesiastical enclosure (GA095-020001-), near the gap at SSW, bears an anchor or an anchor-cum-cross (Higgins 1987, vol. II, 399, no. 118). The grooved motif (L 0.51m; Wth of arm/transom 0.22m; Wth between two points of anchor 0.38m) occupies much of the central part of the surface of the boulder. The ends of the transom splay outwards. The gently curving U-shaped line forming the base of the anchor extends beyond the tangs on either side of it. The top of the shaft bears a loop on its right-hand side. It is possible that the loop is a residual element derived from the Chi-Roo motif. The fact that some attempt was made to prepare the stone and the care with which the motif was executed suggest that it was intentionally carved and that it is not an idle piece of graffiti (ibid.). (Fox et al. 1978, 56) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 6 December 2016

Dated to the early Christian period, the symbol may represent a Christian cross adapted from the anchor, a common motif in early Irish monastic sites. It could signify a place of religious significance or a marker associated with monastic activity.