Early Irish representations of the Crucifixion have distinctive features and all are so much alike that they can be easily recognised and distinguished from the foreign examples. Some special characteristics of these representations are a Latin cross; Christ depicted with nimbus, long hair and beard, eyes open and head not inclined. The feet are nailed separately to the cross and it should be noted that for the first ten centuries and later the feet are never shown one over another as in modern figures. The suppedaneum is not found as a rule. With regard to the figures generally associated with the Crucifixion scene they include some of the following: the Virgin and the Apostle John, the two thieves, two soldiers - sponge and lance bearers - and sometimes angels and personifications of the sun and moon. Sometimes the soldier is shown piercing the right side of Christ and sometimes the left. For the most part these early representations are crude and unfinished.

Skull and bones: A symbol of the Passion frequently found on crucifixes below the suppedaneum. The skull and bones are those of Adam who, according to tradition, was buried under Calvary and upon whose bones the Sacred Blood fell when the earth was rent.

Religious

Pectoral Crosses