The Sculptured Cross at Canna is a medieval, heavily weathered Celtic Christian cross in a field to the west of the graveyard of the St Columba's Church on A' Chill, Canna, Scotland. The cross has been dated to the 8th or 9th century.
Description The cross is made from yellow sandstone, which is not native to Canna, indicating it was made somewhere else and transported to the island. The cross is approximately 2.11 metres from the base stone and 0.54 metres wide at the base and at its maximum is 26cm thick. Its sits on a central sandstone base. At the top the cross had a circular stone with a stone projection at either side held up by two brackets. The left hand stone projection is missing.
Decorations Although heavily weathered, the decorations on the cross are still visible. The east side consists of animal and figure scenes up to 50mm deep. At the base there is a long necked dog in a sitting position that appears to be biting its own tail. Above it is stag, also sitting. At the left is a tall dresed female figure who appears to be sitting, holding a child, along with a vessel that has a spout, indicating it is the virgin and child. Standing next to the Madonna figure is one of the Magi.
References
External links Historic Environment Scotland Canna, St Columba's Graveyard, Sculptured Cross