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: Part of grave-cover or impost [1]
Measurements: L. 81.3 cm (32 in); W. 81.3 cm (32 in); D. 15.8 cm (6.25 in)
Stone type: Fine-grained, very pale brown (10YR 8/4) sandstone; see no. 2.
Plate numbers in printed volume: 471-473
Corpus volume reference: Vol 3 p. 141-142
(There may be more views or larger images available for this item. Click on the thumbnail image to view.)
Only one side carries ornament. There is a narrow, flat perimeter moulding. It contains a linear, symmetrical design of four interlaced animals. Joined by their necks in a central register of simple pattern F (Carrick Bend), using broad, flat strands, are two ribbon snakes with domed heads and incised elliptical eyes. Their necks interlock with those of two crouching profile beasts, their fore legs extended through the haunches by the top corner. The heads turn back and bite their backs with long jaws. They have similar heads to the ribbon beasts.
The animals stand in low, flat relief from a background which has traces of dark gesso.
The crouching, back-biting animals at each end of the panel are of the same genus as those in the corners of the front panel of the Franks Casket (Wilson 1984, pl. 37), and are, in kind, reminiscent of the biting animals of fol. 192v of the Book of Durrow (Nordenfalk 1977, pl. 8) which also has similar interlocked ribbon beasts. The long jaws turned back to bite and the posture of the hind quarters, even the Carrick Bend in the centre, have a close analogue in the Collectio Canonum in Cologne (Dombibliothek 213, fol. 1r. (Haseloff 1987, 47, 49, fig. 6)), of seventh-century date. Monkwearmouth 9A, co. Durham, should also be compared, since the surviving rear quarters and jaws of the animals on that piece are identical with the Hackness beast in design and flat cutting technique (Cramp 1984, II, pl. 121, 656). This is yet another indication of close links between the earliest sculpture of the region and that of contemporary Bernicia. Collingwood's twelfth-century date seems untenable in the light of these analogues, which point to the Hiberno-Saxon styles of Northumbria at the end of the seventh century. Besides, the animals are not at all of Romanesque character.
The stone is not necessarily in its original position. It has been cut drastically on two sides to make it into a stepped impost. It might easily be a grave-cover or part of a composite shrine. It has certainly been trimmed to accommodate to its present function. Unfortunately, if it is a grave-cover, its upper surface is invisible. Adcock (1974, I, 125) considered it to be by the same hand as Filey 1 and Kirkbymoorside 6.
