Mysterious stone from Cwmwysg, Breconshire

[Mei]

I wonder if anyone would like to shed some light on this stone? It was handed down through the generations in Cwmwysg, Breconshire, possibly from the Watkins family of Bryntywarch, Llwyncor, Brynmaen and back to Callwen.
It is inscribed " L Powel"

 Diolch, Mei.

[Gadget]

It is certainly in the style of early Pictish and Celtic carvings, which can be dated to early ADs. Many were fertility symbols. I was fascinated by these carvings at one time and have lots of books on them but haven't seen any photos of this one.

Not sure about the authenticity of this, especially as it has L Powel inscribed on it - possibly a more modern copy 

How big is it and where is it now?


Gadget


Added - trying to find some examples but many seem to be on Pinterest which is difficult .

[Rosinish]

handed down through the generations in Cwmwysg, Breconshire, possibly from the Watkins family
It is inscribed " L Powel"

Have you found a connection with Watkins & L Powel which may shed some light?

Annie

[Mei]

Thanks Gadget - it's about 14" high - on the bottom right there's a 50p piece to give a sense of scale.

Thanks too Rosinish. There is a link between these two families, which I'm looking into now. I'll keep posting the findings
Mei

[Skoosh]

I think this is late 17th century, are the tools of his trade on the reverse?

Skoosh.

[Mei]

Thanks Skoosh. There is nothing on the reverse. Only the red soil of Breconshire.

[Rosinish]

Looking at the inscribed pic wearing a skirt...could 'L Powel' relate to a female (possibly done for her) rather than the person who did the work 

Annie

Edit...Have just enlarged the pic....Male 

[Skoosh]

It's very like some Scottish stones, he 's wearing typical jacket n waistcoat, breeches & stockings of  the period Mei.  What is the carving on the left hand side?

Skoosh.

[Gadget]

Is this the Callwen of the Chapel - dedicated to St Callwen? A Welsh early Christian saint  who was believed to be a member of the Brychan family.