| Hilton of Cadboll Pictish StoneHilton Stone Tain, Highland | ||||||||||||
All pictures and text copyright © 2004 Martin McCarthy |
| This Class II stone is now in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. In the 17th Century it was reused as a gravestone, the cross-side being redressed and replaced with a modern inscription. The symbol side is beautifully and richly decorated. A complex frame has Tree of Life foliage interlace with brids. At the top of the frame, still outside the panelled area, is a double disc and Z-rod symbol. The top panel contains a crescent and V-rod above two discs containing very intricate interlacing. The central panel contains one of the very rare images of women in Pictish art. She sits face-on and side-saddle on a galloping horse in the most prominent position in the panel. In front of her mount is a mirror and comb symbol. She appears to be holding something in her left arm. Two male riders, two huntsmen on foot and blowing horns, dogs and deer make up a hunting scene. The bottom panel contains spiral patterns. |