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 graveslab (upper portion L 1.12m; Wth at top 0.52m; Wth at base 0.42m; T 0.125m) with raised rim, which has been broken into at least four fragments, one of which is missing. It is decorated in low false-relief with a floriated cross. The four-armed cross has fleur-de-lis terminals, with a double circle at the junction of the cross arms. There is a foliate motif springing from either side of the cross-shaft immediately below the cross-head. Further down the cross-shaft, on a separate fragment, there is another leaf motif springing from either side of the cross-shaft. The upper portion consists of two fragments, broken across the width just above the lower leaf motif on the cross-shaft. Of the lower portion of the slab only the base fragment has been found, it is decorated with the lower portion of the cross-shaft with a fleur-de-lis terminal and a small knop immediately above it. Within this fleur-de-lis there is an incised inscription in Lombardic script which Higgins suggests may be secondary because of its unusual positioning. It reads, ‘Iohs’, which is possibly the shortened form of Johannes. The lower fragment had been reused as a spudstone. Stylistically this dates to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 27, 462, fig. 7.3:4). 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: KK027-029044-_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: 7 June 2023