Crucifixion plaque

The term Crucifixion plaque refers to small early medieval sculptures with a central panel of the still alive but crucified Jesus surrounded by four smaller ancillary panels, consisting of Stephaton and Longinus (the lance and sponge bearers) in the lower quadrants, and two hovering attendant angels in the quadrants above his arms. Notable examples are found in classical Roman (usually of ivory) and 8th to mid-12th century Irish Insular art.^[2]

There are eight surviving Irish examples, although many more were produced. Each is cast bronze or copper alloy, and based on their ornamentation and iconography, are mostly dated to between the late 9th and 12th centuries. Apart from one, they are all of openwork (ie the figures were formed from holes, piercings, or gaps punched into the metal).^[3] The group share similar size and geographical spread, with find spots ranging from the broad area between Clonmacnoise in County Offaly and Tynan, County Armagh.^[4] The plaques are all cast as single pieces and, with the exception of the late 7th or early 8th century Rinnegan Crucifixion Plaque, have a unifying border.^[5] It is thought that the format is based on similar designs from earlier illuminated gospels, including the Book of Kells and Southampton Psalter.

The borders contain cavities for holding nails or rivets (some of which survive), indicating that they were once attached to larger wooden or metal ecclesiastical objects, perhaps metal book shrines or other reliquaries, or wooden altars or crosses.^[6] This function is supported by similar designs found in a number of near contemporary stone high crosses, suggesting that they might have been a transitional work between stone high crosses and wooden processional crosses such as that found at Tully Lough.^[6]