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 (L 1.96m; Wth at top 0.58m; Wth at base 0.415m; T 0.16m) which is bordered by a thin band, left in relief. 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 cross arms, the inner circle of which is incised. On the cross-shaft, below the cross-head there is a circular knop and below this a leaf motif springs from either side of the cross-shaft. The cross-shaft terminates in a fleur-de-lis. The slab was reused, probably in the post-medieval period, to cover a disturbed stone-lined grave in the north ambulatory of the cloister. Stylistically this dates to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 26, 461, fig. 7.3:3). 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: KK027-029043-_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

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with an Augustinian priory and significant for its connection to a large group of catalogued funerary monuments.