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 (L 1.775m; Wth at top 0.56m; Wth at base 0.29m; T 0.15m) with beveled edges. The lower portion of the slab is broken across its width. It is decorated with an incised four-armed cross-head with fleur-de-lis terminals, there is a circular boss at the junction of the cross arms. Immediately beneath the cross-head there is a floral motif which springs from either side of the cross-shaft, and below that there is a barred-knop. The cross-shaft terminates with a fleur-de-lis with a barred-knop immediately above it. Along the edge of the dexter surface there is an almost indecipherable inscription in Lombardic script which reads: ?AR/A/E? VVORISIOIS DOI/A [break] EA. Or alternatively: ?AR/ A/E? VVORI. SIOIS DOI/A [break] EA. There is light diagonal tooling over much of the stone. Stylistically the graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 15, 460-61, fig. 7.2:2). 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: KK027-029032-_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 Kells Priory, an Augustinian canon site. Its significance lies in its contribution to understanding burial practices and monastic life in medieval Ireland.