Sheela-na-gig (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

On display in Clare Museum, Ennis. A sheela-na-gig found S of Ballyportry castle (CL017-084002-). This carving was discovered in the area S of Ballyportry tower house (CL017-084002-). It is described by Freitag (2004, 124) as a figure ‘crudely carved in limestone. The huge head is neckless with big jug ears; deep- set round eyes raised in sockets; nose broken off. Teeth showing in slightly opened mouth. No breasts, but an over-large round navel. Hands pass behind wide open thighs; fingers tear open long deep vulva from which amniotic sac protrudes. The latter is shaped like a balloon, filling gap between widely splayed legs. The knees are bent with the feet turning outwards and the left half foot broken off.’ For the original location see CL017-084005-. (Andersen 1977, 145, No. 54)

CL033-191----_01.jpg attached.

Updated by: Mary Tunney

Date of revised upload: 28 October 2014

References

Freitag, B. 2004 Sheela-na-gigs: unravelling an enigma. London. Routledge.

Andersen, J. 1977 The Witch on the wall: medieval erotic sculpture in the British Isles. London. Allen and Unwin Ltd.