Tomb

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). The upper portion of a limestone graveslab (L 0.575m; Wth 0.672m; T 0.195m) of the head-slab type. The dressed surface is decorated with a deep quatrefoil recess (H 0.266m; Wth 0.266m; D 0.035m), in the centre of which is a carved head of a man in high false relief. The man has a short hair style cut across at ear level and is wearing a cap decorated with four vertical lines down the centre of the cap. He has a pointed face with almond-shaped eyes, a straight noise which is partially broken and a straight mouth. There is the beginning of an incised inscription in Lombardic script, preceded by a cross pattée. It reads: HIC JACET W[slab broken], which translates as Here lies W[slab broken]. The slab was reused as a grave liner in the nave of the priory church in the late medieval/post-medieval period. Stylistically it dates to the late 13th/early 14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 30, 464-5, Pl. 7.2). 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: KK027-029047-_01 Photograph 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

Effigial tomb; medieval period. Associated with Kells Priory, it reflects the funerary practices of the Augustinian canons in the region.