Hi Fiona. Too much in this blog to comment on, so just one thing … You keep saying that ‘art-historians’ have given a date 850-950 for Sueno’s stone. Not really true, just one art-historian, and lots of other researchers and archaeologists who have disagreed and placed it much earlier, mid 700s likely. In which case your sound idea that we could expect it to come from the significant Pictish stone-carving group at Kineddar, especially as the stone is sourced nearby, fits neatly with this current dating. This reminds me of once as a wee young thing, staring down a microscope trying to draw the insect under it, and the ancient and beloved professor peered over my shoulder and said: You’ll be a good scientist one day – if you see what you’re seeing, not what you think you should be seeing!
A v minor point but loom to right of seated figure on Kirriemuir 1 presumably indicates she is female (looks female to me!), also central position of brooch (rather than shoulder) at Wester Denoon, also suggests female (I'm sure there's an article in an old PAS Journal on this). Also, I think the Kineddar Symbol stone more likely to be 5th or 6th century than 7th, so predating vallum (church founded on site of ancestral burial ground? - a common pattern). As ever, enjoyed having my attention directed to this area - so much of interest!
I just want to thank you for sharing these snapshots of your research. I love reading them, as this period of history feels like an exciting frontier of new discovery. It was extra special to see Kinneddar pop up, as it was (we think) the home of our Scottish ancestor--he was sent to America as an indentured servant after the Battle of Dunbar. Now it will feel like I’m imagining the possibilities of my own family’s deep history as I read your work! So fun.
Given that Northern Picts have blown the art historical dating of the early stones out of the water with their excavation at Dunicaer, could the same not be true at the other end? I know it is almost sacrilegious to question Isabel Henderson, but…..
Hi Fiona. Too much in this blog to comment on, so just one thing … You keep saying that ‘art-historians’ have given a date 850-950 for Sueno’s stone. Not really true, just one art-historian, and lots of other researchers and archaeologists who have disagreed and placed it much earlier, mid 700s likely. In which case your sound idea that we could expect it to come from the significant Pictish stone-carving group at Kineddar, especially as the stone is sourced nearby, fits neatly with this current dating. This reminds me of once as a wee young thing, staring down a microscope trying to draw the insect under it, and the ancient and beloved professor peered over my shoulder and said: You’ll be a good scientist one day – if you see what you’re seeing, not what you think you should be seeing!
A v minor point but loom to right of seated figure on Kirriemuir 1 presumably indicates she is female (looks female to me!), also central position of brooch (rather than shoulder) at Wester Denoon, also suggests female (I'm sure there's an article in an old PAS Journal on this). Also, I think the Kineddar Symbol stone more likely to be 5th or 6th century than 7th, so predating vallum (church founded on site of ancestral burial ground? - a common pattern). As ever, enjoyed having my attention directed to this area - so much of interest!
I just want to thank you for sharing these snapshots of your research. I love reading them, as this period of history feels like an exciting frontier of new discovery. It was extra special to see Kinneddar pop up, as it was (we think) the home of our Scottish ancestor--he was sent to America as an indentured servant after the Battle of Dunbar. Now it will feel like I’m imagining the possibilities of my own family’s deep history as I read your work! So fun.
Given that Northern Picts have blown the art historical dating of the early stones out of the water with their excavation at Dunicaer, could the same not be true at the other end? I know it is almost sacrilegious to question Isabel Henderson, but…..
the womans name on the Hilton Stone is Brigid ferch Eochaid, daughter od Donald the Freckled. Her son Drustan map Edernan erected the stone.
Kirremuir - the priests name is Cinaed but no last name is obvious
Wester Denoon - the priests name is Fergus/Uirguist