Cross-slab in Inis Gé Thuaidh

This beautiful and unusual cross-slab, one of the earliest known figurative carvings in Ireland depicting the crucifixion, is a National Monument in state ownership (no. 379). It is located at the SE end of Inishkea North, on top of Bailey Mór mound (MA023-015003-), set upright in a roughly constructed N−S cross wall within the ruins of a rectangular stone-built house (MA023-014007-). Henry’s excavation of the house in the early 1940’s determined that this cross-wall was built to support the slab, which was placed there long after the house had fallen into ruin (Henry 1945, 136-137, House B). The original setting of the slab is therefore unknown. Roughly trapezoidal-shaped slab (H 1.17m above current ground level; Wth 0.94m N−S; T 11cm at base, 8cm at top), with a crucifixion scene filling the full available space on the W face. The incised crucifixion scene is simple in style, but rich in detail and striking in its visual impact. The crucified Christ forms the central figure. The head is disproportionally large, with a flattish top and a broad, rounded chin, arched eyebrows emphasising prominent, large round eyes, a long and straight-sided nose and a simple groove for the mouth that curves in a slight smile. The overall effect of the facial features is arresting, giving Christ a beguilingly open, almost cheerful expression. The arms are horizontal, with individual fingers delineated, and a nail is visible in Christ’s right palm. Slanting grooves represent the ribs, radiating from a double vertical groove on the central line of the torso, which expands at top into two small spirals representing the nipples. Two spaced horizontal lines depict the loincloth. A circular/spiral motif decorates the top of each leg, just below the loincloth. The lower legs and feet are now concealed below ground, however, a photograph of the slab published by Henry (1945, Pl. XXV11) shows that that Christ’s left foot is depicted in profile, turning outwards; his right leg bends and is slightly foreshortened, apparently dictated by a natural undulation in the stone surface. The cross, on which the body hangs, is outlined by a single-line groove; the shaft framing the head and torso necessarily broader than the arms of the cross which frame Christ’s relatively thin arms. The cross spans the full height and width of the slab, and Christ’s body similarly fills almost the full height and width of the cross. The two quadrants above the arms of the cross, flanking Christ’s head, are each filled with a small double-line cross, perhaps representing the crosses of the two thieves crucified with Christ. The larger, lower quadrants contain the figures of the lance- and sponge-bearers, named Stepaton and Longinus in Medieval tradition. They are depicted in profile and at a smaller scale than Christ. Stephaton holds a long shaft at the top of which is the vinegar-soaked sponge, shown as a small, concave circular object just beneath Christ’s chin; Longinus is piercing Christ’s ribs with his spear. Harbison (1987, 88) suggested a date between the 9th and 10th century for this crucifixion slab and compares it with a cross-slab (MA033A003002-) bearing a crucifixion scene somewhat similar in style located on Duvillaun Island 5.7km to S. The latter slab is associated with the early ecclesiastical settlement, which features a cashel (MA033A003001-), a church (MA033-003004-) and a holy well (MA033-003007-). Harbison (1987, 76) describes the Inishkea North slab as following: 'The Crucifixion slab on Inishkea North, measuring 4ft. 3ins. (1.34m) by 3ft. (91.5cms) is somewhat broader in its proportions than that on Duvillaun More [MA033A003002-]. So, too, is the cross on which the figure of the crucified Christ is placed on the west face. The uppermost limb of the cross expands outwards as it rises in a gentle curve on each side. The top of Christ's head is almost flat, the remaining contours forming a broad U-shaped face in which the eyeballs stand out in false relief. Some vertical grooves below the mouth may be intended to represent a beard. Christ's arms are proportionately shorter than at Duvillaun. A nail may be indicated on Christ's right hand, and his left hand sags slightly. His incised ribs fall diagonally downwards from a V-shape which rises from the navel and spirals outwards at the top to form the nipples. A horizontal line at the waist and another curved line near the bottom of the torso indicate that Christ is to be understood as wearing a short trouser-like garment or a rather stylised loin-cloth. There is a spiral at the top of each leg, from which an irregular triangle falls to a point at the level of the knee. The lower legs and the feet are currently buried in the sand. As at Duvillaun, the frontal figure of Christ is flanked by Stephaton and Longinus in profile, and both occupy the same respective positions and show the same slight disparity in size as they do at Duvillaun. But at Inishkea, they are proportionately taller in relation to Christ, reaching from his knee to just beneath the arms of the cross. Stephaton's legs are more clearly flexed, and there is a central depression on the presumed sponge on the end of his pole, which is placed centrally beneath Christ's chin. Above each arm of the cross there is one incised Greek cross enclosing another'. The carving is not deeply incised and is now weathered and difficult to see in low light. White lichen has spread over much of the stone surface. Attached images: MA023-014005-_01.JPG Photograph of cross-slab published by Henry (1945) MA023-014005-_01.JPG Cross-slab viewed from W MA023-014005-_01.JPG Cross-slab viewed from NW Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of upload: 14 April 2023