Stone head in Killaspuglonane

This record is for the original location of a carved stone head found in 1971 beside Tobarlonane holy well (CL015-059005-) adjacent to a large ecclesiastical enclosure (CL015-059001-). The head was carved in relief on one side of a trapezoidal limestone block. The face is oval with eyes, ears, eyebrows, mouth, nose, and hairline depicted. Swan (1987, 165) has drawn comparisons with Irish Romanesque stone heads, suggesting a 12th century date. He argues that the stone originated as an architectural element, probably a voussoir. Its location at the holy well was secondary and it was probably taken there from the rubble of the adjacent medieval church (CL015-059002-) as an object of veneration. The present location is in the National Museum of Ireland (DU018-160----) and a replica has been placed at the well. Reference: Swan, L 1987 A carved stone head from Killaspuglonane, Co. Clare. In Rynne, E. (ed.) Figures from the past: studies on figurative art in Christian Ireland, 159-67. Glendale Press. Dublin. Compiled by: Mary Tunney and Eve Campbell Date of upload: 11 July 2023

Probably dating to the early Christian period (5th–10th century), the stone head may have had a religious or commemorative function, possibly linked to the nearby holy well and ecclesiastical site. Such carvings are sometimes associated with local saints or early monastic traditions.