high crosses and axis mundis

Question 1

what is a high cross

Answer 1

functioned as ceremonial meeting places before churches constructed, free standing cross. often steps at the bottom for kneeling
loci for preaching

Question 2

before founding a monastery St. Botulf

Answer 2

planted the standard of the cross, set up ensign of heavenly peace in the cross of christ. (claiming territory as christian)

Question 3

ora et labora

Answer 3

pray and work
“you’ll find me through heavy labour of breaking stones and hewing wood”

Question 4

the market cross

Answer 4

Perron (1527), a stepped base, vertical pillar, cross (metalic cross, wooden pillar, stone base)

Question 5

truncus super lapidem

Answer 5

tree trunk raised on stone

Question 6

Hirschlanden warrior

Answer 6

a votive offering, erected on top of a burial mound, anthropomorphic

Question 7

what does the raised mound/base and vertical pillar symbolize

Answer 7

death (base) and genesis (phalloid pillar)

Question 8

basic form of high cross is allusion to what?

Answer 8

Golgotha/Calvary
the hill upon which christ was crucified, also where Adam’s body was burried

Question 9

how is the high cross an axis mundi

Answer 9

it is the axis along which christ ascended to heaven

Question 10

dearham cross

Answer 10

(900-950) has unique bark-like decor and root-like motif at base. Syncretic, combining christian and pagan traditions (looks like tree, also cross)