St Andrews Sarcophagus, Medieval stone sarcophagus at St Andrews Cathedral Museum, Scotland.
The St Andrews Sarcophagus is a medieval stone coffin made of sandstone measuring 177 by 90 centimeters, decorated with detailed carvings of hunters, lions, and religious symbols. Its L-shaped structure features high-relief sculptures showing mounted hunters pursuing wild animals and figures wrestling with beasts.
This Pictish monument was discovered in 1833 during excavations near St Rule's Tower and dates to the second half of the eighth century. It represents an important artifact from the early medieval period in the region.
The side panels show biblical scenes of David, merging Mediterranean artistic styles with Pictish stone carving traditions. This blend reflects how different cultural influences came together in medieval Scotland.
The piece is permanently displayed at St Andrews Cathedral Museum, managed by Historic Environment Scotland for public access. Visiting during regular opening hours allows you to view it properly and take time to appreciate the carved details.
One of the most striking scenes depicts a figure breaking apart a lion's jaws, a dramatic image combining biblical narratives with local craftsmanship. This type of storytelling through carved stone is rarely seen in monuments from this period.
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