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: Incomplete round-headed grave-marker
Measurements: H. 17.8 cm (7 in); W. 34.3 cm (13.5 in) D. 15.3 cm (6 in)
Stone type: Coarse-grained, massive yellow sandstone
Plate numbers in printed volume: Pl. 161.841-845
Corpus volume reference: Vol 1 p. 167
(There may be more views or larger images available for this item. Click on the thumbnail image to view.)
All faces are edged by a wide flat-band moulding.
A (broad): A cross of type A11 enclosed in an arcade of simple twist. The twist pattern, which has been produced by punching and incising, is enclosed in a shallow roll moulding. The cross is outlined by a narrow roll moulding and has a central incised roundel.
B, D and E (narrow sides and top): The rounded top is divided into three panels enclosed in a narrow double roll moulding. The lower, on the right as one looks at face A, is very worn interlace which appears to be simple pattern E. The central, crown, panel is composed of a ring-twist with four free rings. The lower left panel is interlace: complete pattern A with cross-joined terminals.
C (broad): This face is less worn than face A. Two affronted Stafford Knots are enclosed in a flat-band frame which is more rectangular than on the other face. It is possible that these knots formed the arms of a cross. An outer and inner roll moulding enclose a simple twist, which forms an arcade, as on A. The pattern has been produced by picking and incising.
This type of grave-marker with a cross surrounded by fine interlace is perhaps derived from Lindisfarne (Introduction, p. 7). The cross on Bothal 6 is carved precisely and delicately, and thus could be earlier than 5. Since both stones are broken, it is impossible to tell whether the complete stone would have been something like the Warkworth grave-marker (no. 2), or like the head- and foot-stones found in the Viking cemetery under York minster. If the latter were so, only the upper part of the cross might have been carved.