Rock art in Kealduff Upper

The decorated surface of this smooth rectangular slab, 1.5m x .45m, slopes upwards to SSW and features a linear arrangement of four, rather weathered, cruciform motifs. The upper pair are simple and are formed of irregular grooves, while the lower pair feature grooves which terminate in cupmarks enclosed within complete or penannular rings. The lowest motif has been damaged by spalling. See attached drawing of rock art taken from O'Sullivan and Sheehan 1996, Fig. 65 (c) The above description is derived from A. O'Sullivan and J. Sheehan (compilers), 'The Iveragh peninsula: an archaeological survey of South Kerry'. Cork University Press (1996), no. 340. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. In mountain heath, with dense growth of furze obscuring hillside, on a general NE-facing slope; Good views of River Behy valley NE->E. Not located. According to O’Sullivan & Sheehan (1996, 101), the ‘decorated surface of this smooth rectangular slab, 1.5m x 0.45m, slopes upward to SSW and features a linear arrangement of four, rather weathered, cruciform motifs.’ Dense growth of furze (H 0.30-1.45m) growth across this area inhibits grazing and obscures low profile rocks and boulders. Compiled by: Alison McQueen and Vera Rahilly Date of upload: 5 July 2017

Likely dating to the Late Neolithic or Bronze Age, the cruciform motifs may have held symbolic or ritual significance, possibly related to solar or cosmological beliefs. Similar designs appear in other parts of the British Isles and are often associated with funerary or territorial markers.