Cross-slab (present location) in High Island

Recorded by Fisher (2014, 217, no. 39, Fig. 7.7), this tapering cross-slab (H0.53m; Wth 0.53m; T 0.09m) of garnet mica-schist was found in rubble removed from ‘Cell B’, the clochan (GA021-026013-) to the E of the church (GA021-026014-) on High Island. Both faces are decorated. One face is filled with an expansional cross in relief with D-shaped terminals. The lower terminal may have enclosed a triquetra. Bosses are visible in the upper quadrants and at the top angles there are pairs of bosses linked by C-scrolls or peltae. The other face also bears and expansional cross; only the left and top D-shaped terminals are evident. The central area is lozenge shaped. This cross-slab is now in the OPW depot on the island - see GA021-026062- for original location. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 22 February 2023 Fisher, I. (revised by Scally, G. and Maddern, C.) 2014 Catalogue of cross-slabs. In G. Scally, High Island (Ardoileán), Co. Galway: Excavation of an early medieval monastery. Archaeological Monograph Series 10. Dublin. The Stationery Office.

This cross-slab likely dates to the early medieval period, associated with Christian monastic activity in the area. Its presence near a clochan suggests it may have had a liturgical or commemorative function within a religious context.