Select a site alphabetically from the choices shown in the box below. Alternatively, browse sculptural examples using the Forward/Back buttons.
Chapters for this volume, along with copies of original in-text images, are available here.
Object type: Sundial and beast's head(?) above [1]
Measurements: Unobtainable
Stone type: Coarse-grained, massive yellow sandstone
Plate numbers in printed volume: Pl. 56.277
Corpus volume reference: Vol 1 p. 79
(There may be more views or larger images available for this item. Click on the thumbnail image to view.)
It is not possible to see whether the projecting sculpture above the slab of the dial is part of the same slab. Both seem to be edged with the same twist.
a: The upper block has two bulbous projections.
b: The slab below is now cut to a trapezoid shape. Over the top of the dial is a serpent-like creature. It has a reptilian head seen from above, with round eyes and a fish's tail with a grooved moulding. The lower part of the dial is edged by a simple twist.
It has not been possible to check the carving at eye level. Two bulbous projections, which look like the eyes of a beast's head, could be the knees of a seated figure which has been cut off above the waist. On the whole it seems more likely that this is a beast's head and that it is to be compared with later animal heads such as those found at Deerhurst, Gloucestershire (Fisher 1962, pl. 80). The serpentine creature is unique, but reptiles with similar tails occur on the jambs of Monkwearmouth porch (no. 8). The simple twist ornament is also found on 4 and 7, and on the Hexham `frith stool' (no. 41).
