Description:
The Dragon Cross. A fine piece, each face bearing a cross set on a circle. The slab is rounded at the top, and tapers towards the foot to fit into a socket; the spaces between the limbs are pierced. Both crosses have an expanding shaft, and a ring decorated with plait-work. Regular plaits break into looser interlacing lower on the shaft. The panels to either side are filled with interlace binding dragon figures with gaping jaws, pear-shaped eyes and long tails.
This cross slab was first recorded in 1841 near the old church, and it is therefore tempting to assume that it came to light as a result of the demolition of the previous parish church. It dates to around 1030 AD. The slab is damaged but was originally round-headed and pierced between the limbs. It tapers towards its foot, and the sculpture stops short to allow for its insertion into a socket.
Each face has a central wheel-headed cross, decorated with plaits-of-seven which break into looser interlace towards the foot of the shaft. On both faces, the panels either side of the cross shaft each bear a representation of a dragon, bound by interlace, facing the shaft . The dragons head, with open mouth, fearsome teeth and pear-shaped eye, can be seen immediately beneath the ring supporting the arm of the cross. The pear-shaped eye is one of the classic elements of the Ringerike style, and here makes a very rare appearance on a Manx cross. A similar animal appears on a fragment of a gold ring found near Greeba. The remaining decoration is a mixture of Jellinge and Mammen styles, suggesting that this stone stands at the crossover between these art-styles. The carving bears some similarity to that on Manx Cross 122. Current location: Kirk Michael Church, Michael, Michael, Isle of Man. (231750, 490825)
Country: Isle of Man
County: Michael
Parish: Michael
Named Location: Kirk Michael Churchyard
Grid Reference:
SC317908
Map Reference:
[EPSG:27700] 231790, 490850
Period/Subject: EARLY MEDIEVAL - CROSS
Identifiers:
[ADS] Depositor Id: Manx Cross 0117.00
[ADS] Import RCN: MANX15-0117.00
People Involved:
[Publisher] Manx National Heritage
Cite record using this URL:
https://archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/archsearch/record?titleId=2646868