Gellyburn cross-slab
Last updated | 28/09/2010
A damaged cross-slab with the uppermost portion missing and a
repaired fracture mid-way along its length. Both faces are
intricately carved with Pictish and early Christian motifs. It was
discovered built into the foundations of a cottage in Gellyburn,
near Murthly, Perthshire, from where it was removed and donated to
Perth Museum and Art Gallery in 1949. It probably reflects
the presence of a now lost church site in the Murthly area.
The cross-slab is of an unusually small size and the carving
demonstrates a high level of technical and artistic ability. One of
its broad faces it bears the carving of a Celtic cross shaft
in-filled with beast headed swirls and interlace patterns. The
other broad face bears a Pictish beast or elephant beneath a
crescent and v-rod symbol. Above then are traces of what is thought
to be a circular cross.
This unique knife handle was found in 1977 during excavations on
the High Street, Perth (in advance of the construction of Marks
& Spencers store) and is arguably the most exciting of all the
many objects found during that excavation. The handle is made of
walrus ivory and can be dated to the 14th century. It shows a
hooded face carved in fine detail (only slightly marred by damage
to the nose) and with intricately carved leaves being held to
either side of the hood. It probably represents someone enjoying
May-time festivities. The celebration of May often included the
gathering of seasonal greenery. It is a further, fine indication of
a thriving cultural life in medieval Perth
