Decorated slate plaque, Dunadd Fort, Argyll

3D Model

Decorated slate motif piece from excavations at Dunadd Fort, Kilmichael Glassary, Argyll, Scotland. The decoration on the front face has both animals and interlaced knotwork. At the top right is the head and upper body of a raptor. Below this there is a hind and a stag, both complete and shown in motion. On the lower half of the plaque are two differing versions of a complex interlaced knot. Surrounding these are four attempts at portions of the same knotwork. One of these overlaps the stag and appears to post-date it. On the back face is an attempt at another bird, possibly the same raptor as on the front face. The perforation shows this was suspended from a cord, and may have been worn as a pendant amulet. The style of these carvings has parallels from Viking Dublin, and the slate is not local to Dunadd.

Accession No.: X.1996.293.480 / X.GPA 480

Material: Slate

Date: Early medieval