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). A tapering slab (upper portion L 0.445m; Wth at top 0.46m; T 0.145m; mid-portion L 0.58m; Wth 0.35-0.4m; T 0.125m; lower portion L 0.58m; Wth 0.23-0.33m; T 0.125m) which is broken into at least four pieces, the portion immediately below the cross-head is missing. It is decorated in false-relief with a four-armed cross-head with trefoil terminals. The dexter edge of the slab is straight-sided, while the sinister edge is chamfered, which suggests that it was originally designed to be placed against a wall, probably in a tomb niche. Stylistically this graveslab has been dated to the 14th/15th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 18, 462-3, fig. 7.2:5). 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: KK027-029035-_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: 31 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with the Augustinian priory at Kells, significant as part of a large cemetery linked to a religious foundation.