Cross-slab in Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise grave-slab inventory (1992) number: CLN00348 Dimensions: H 9ins, W 5ins, T 1.5ins Three line latin cross with a blank lozenge at the centre and semicircular terminals which contain a fret pattern. There was a two line rectilinear frame. Inscription: '[OROI]T AR [MA]ELBRI[TE]' recorded by Petrie. Evidence of discovery: Drawn by Petrie ar Clonmacnoise in 1822. Condition: Now lost. Stokes, M. (1878) Christian Inscriptions in the Irish language, Vol 1, p XXXII, no. 84. The Clonmacnoise inventory was compiled by the Office of Public Works. A copy of the record for this slab is available for inspection in the relevant Archaeological Survey of Ireland (SMR) file. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 23 May 2011

Probably dating to the early medieval period (5th–10th century), this cross-slab reflects Christian symbolism commonly found in monastic sites like Clonmacnoise. The fret pattern and lozenge may signify decorative or spiritual motifs associated with early Irish Christian art.