Further Discovery of Three Celtic Cross-Slabs at St Andrews; and Note on a Crusie

Abstract

All three cross-slabs were standing upright when found, and had been damaged, two of them very seriously, by previous grave-diggers. Two appeared to be in their original location. All have crossed and interlaced or plaited decoration. With the exception of the handle, hinge, and lid, which are of malleable iron, the crusie is of cast iron, and has been cast in a piece. The total weight is over 6 pounds. The advantage of a crusie having a lid was that tallow could be used when oil was scarce. A piece of burning peat was put on the top of the lid to melt the tallow.