Aberlemno Sculptured Stones

In the sculptures of stones Aberlemno is Pictish symbol stones and cross- slabs. There are in the scattered village in the northeast of Forfar in the county of Angus in Scotland, four of these stones.

One stands in the cemetery, the others are on the B9134 ( road) from Forfar to Brechin, north of Dundee. During the winter, the stones are protected by wooden covers against weathering. Show all stones, at least on one side, Pictish works from pre-Christian times. Two of the bricks have moved in recent years, in order to integrate them into a box wall. Another stone is in the Museum of Dundee. The impressive cross- slab, is in its original location in the cemetery.

The stones on the road

• The about five feet high, somewhat oblique symbol stone ( the Serpent Stone, dt snake stone ) is a simple plate, carefully incised Pictish symbols typically wears: snake, double glazing and Z- bar, mirror and comb. On the back there are several very weak obtained bowls. Location: 56 ° 41 ' 33 " N, 2 ° 46' 51" W56.692541667 - 2.7808166667

• Between this stone and the stone cross is another symbol stone is placed, however, the only bears traces of a crescent mark.

• The Cross- Slab at the street with a large Celtic cross on the front, flanked by panels that show as an ornament wattle, reptiles and other animals. On his back, which was once the front, a half moon, a V- rod, double glazing and a Z- bar can be seen from top to bottom. Including a hunting scene with men on horseback, two long horns, as well as deer and hunting dogs. In this scene is on the left side of a centaur, who apparently holds a branch and an ax. The right is a representation of David, indicated by the sheep and the harp, fighting a lion. It may be that the composition of the symbols and scenes has no meaning. Location: 56 ° 41 '32 " N, 2 ° 46' 53 " W56.692105555556 - 2.7812833333333,

Cross - Slab on the road

Symbols and hunting scene on the back of the cross- slab on the road

Cross - Slab at the cemetery

The battle on the back

At the cemetery

The Cross- Slab at the cemetery is better preserved than those on the road. It dates from the 8th or 9th century. The decorated with wattle and spiral patterns Celtic cross is created in high relief and is surrounded by imaginary animals. They are intertwined, some bite. An elegant pair of animals with fish tails stands with raised at the bottom of front legs over. On the back of the cross are the top two Pictish symbols. The first is a notched rectangle, and a Z- bar, the second triple disc which is interpreted as a boiler. The rest is filled by a battle scene with cavalry and infantry, probably the battle of Dunnichen Mere ( Dun Nechtain ) in the county of Angus in the year 685 AD is where the Picts were victorious. She was among the Picts under Bridei III. and the Northumbriern under Ecgfrith fought. English warriors are shown with helmets with nose guard, a guy who is busy on other contemporary pictures and discoveries. At that time it was processed differently than in the preceding important secular and religious ideas. Location: 56 ° 41 ' 21 " N, 2 ° 46' 53 " W56.689302777778 - 2.7813305555556