 |
       |
| Images from Morayshire |
| The Elgin Class II cross-slab and the 21-foot high (6.5metre) Sueno's Stone outside Forres |
| Pictish cross-slab within the cathedral precinct in Elgin; found near St Giles in the High Street |
 |
A Christian cross on the farther side of the Elgin Class II Pictish stone emphasizes the importance of Christianity within the Pictish royal house at the time of of its carving (c.AD8th century). The simple 'double-disc & Z-rod' and 'crescent & V-rod' of earlier Class I stones have now become heavily interlaced with Christian knotwork and the lowest panel depicts the royal pursuit of hunting with hounds & falcon - a clear message to the Pictish people that Christianity is endorsed by their king. |
|
| Compare with the blatant Christian iconography of nearby Sueno's Stone at Forres: |
| Sueno's Stone is a so-called 'class III' stone, but the monolith was probably commissioned by the Scots royal house in the years following takeover by Kenneth macAlpin mid-9th century. It has storytelling panels on its obverse face depicting the downfall of the Pictish kingdom. |
 |
|
contact Friends Of Grampian Stones by e-mail
|
| ©1998-2004 Friends of Grampian Stones - Editor: Marian Youngblood |