Graveslab in Rathduff (madden)

One of a large number of graveslabs (KK027-029005-; KK027-029015-, KK027-029016-, KK027-029021- to KK027-029051-) found at Kells Priory for Augustinian canons (KK027-029004-) which have been described and catalogued by Higgins (2007, 453-67). An unusually small undecorated tapering slab (L c. 0.85m; Wth at top c. 0.3m; Wth at base c. 0.25m) with no visible decoration. The surface is dressed with carefully executed pock tooling which Higgins suggests could have provided a key for gesso and paint. Stylistically the graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century. The underside of the slab was subsequently hollowed out when the slab was reused as a slop-stone in the priory kitchens. The slab, intact when drawn in 1980, was subsequently broken into numerous pieces as a result of vandalisation. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 1, 459, fig. 7.1:1). Ref.: Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin. See attached: KK027-029005-_01 Illustration in Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 24 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with an Augustinian priory and significant for its connection to burial practices and monastic life in the late medieval period.