The Dragon Cross. A fine piece, each face bearing a cross set on a circle. The slab is rounded at the top, and tapers towards the foot to fit into a socket; the spaces between the limbs are pierced.


Both crosses have an expanding shaft, and a ring decorated with plait-work. Regular plaits break into looser interlacing lower on the shaft. The panels to either side are filled with interlace binding dragon figures with gaping jaws, pear-shaped eyes and long tails.


This cross slab was first recorded in 1841 near the old church, and it is therefore tempting to assume that it came to light as a result of the demolition of the previous parish church. It dates to around AD1030. The slab is damaged but was originally round-headed and pierced between the limbs.


It tapers towards its foot, and the sculpture stops short to allow for its insertion into a socket. Each face has a central wheel-headed cross, decorated with plaits-of-seven which break into looser interlace towards the foot of the shaft.


On both faces, the panels either side of the cross shaft each bear a representation of a dragon, bound by interlace, facing the shaft. The dragon's head, with open mouth, fearsome teeth and pear-shaped eye, can be seen immediately beneath the ring supporting the arm of the cross.


The pear-shaped eye is one of the classic elements of the Ringerike style, and here makes a very rare appearance on a Manx cross. A similar animal appears on a fragment of a gold ring found near Greeba. The remaining decoration is a mixture of Jellinge and Mammen styles, suggesting that this stone stands at the crossover between these art-styles. The carving bears some similarity to that on Manx Cross 122. It is displayed at Kirk Michael church.


See also Manx Cross 117.