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Cross



Disk-headed cross with a broad shaft filled with a single panel of interlace.

The circular head has a small central boss, and there are circular sinkings between the expanded arms.

The back of the shaft and head is plain, suggesting it was designed to stand against a wall.

The cross is similar to the ‘Whithorn school’ crosses carved between 900 AD and 1100 AD, but probably pre-dates them and may in fact have provided the inspiration for later designs.

It is unusual in having a straight-sided shaft and no decoration on the back.

The interlace does not use stopped plait, which later became characteristic of Whithorn designs.

This cross, which came from Sorbie churchyard, is one of only two disk-headed cross-slabs to retain its head.
Period: 800 - 1100 AD
Material: vfg grey turbidite siltstone
Dimensions: 1630 x 680 x 90 mm
Accession number: WHP.EC.07 (W8)