EARLY MEDIEVAL SCULPTURE

A Medieval stone (sandstone) decorative carving, Professor Rosemary Cramp suggests it is a fragment of a holy water stoup or piscina(11th-12th century). The fragment is curved and includes the upper finished edge. The internal diameter of the complete object would have measured approximately 60mm and about 30 percent of the total diameter remains. The outer surface has been decorated with carved three-dimensional figures in high relief, the figures represent apostles or saintly figures. Fragments of two figures remain and they are different. Both are bearded with simple lentoid eyes and are dressed in flowing gowns. The first figure appears to have his hands raised to mid-chest and is holding a staff diagonally across his body. The second figure appears to be holding a book (probably a Bible) in his right hand, and has his left hand raised. Each figure is stood in a curved arch with the edges of the stones that form the arch carved as grooves. Each arch is supported by a pillar with a a decorative carved section that expands and features a row of painted ovals, with the point facing upwards. The upper edge is also decorated with parallel carved grooves.The lower broken edge has a black concretion covering the broken surface and a small flake of stone is adhering. It is possible this is some form of adhesive – a repair to an old break.Dimensions: length 78.78mm; width 71.49mm; thickness 15.72mm; weight 139.63g