Sheela-na-gig (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

A sheela-na-gig was removed from a gate post at Drinan House (DU012-024001-) in the 1940's and placed in the National Museum, Dublin (Dunlea 1945, 114; Cherry 1992, 6). The original location of this sheela-na-gig has not been identified (Freitag 2004, 142). The gate post at Drinan House was not the original location for this sheela-na-gig. The finding of this carving was recorded in 1945 by Father John Dunlea, P. P. when he stated that, ‘some time ago I noticed one of those grotesque female figures known as Sheela-na-Gigs carved on a pillar which acted as a gate-post at Drynam House (DU012-024001-) near Swords, Co Dublin. It was in danger of destruction by farm-carts passing by, so I brought it to the notice of Mr. H. G. Leask, Inspector of National Monuments. He communicated with the National Museum and, on Mr. Wilson of Drynam House graciously giving permission, the stone was carefully removed and is now preserved in the Museum’ (Dunlea 1945, 114). Recorded by McMahon and Roberts as a stone (dims. 1.28m x 0.34m) with a figure that is ‘carved in high relief and one leg is raised as if the figure is doing a jig. The hands gesture towards the vulva, with the left hand resting on the thigh’ (McMahon and Roberts 2001, 150). Described in 2004 by Freitag as a figure ‘carved in high relief on pillar stone and weathered. Facial features worn away; thick neck; round shoulders; small breasts, navel indicated. Arms slightly splayed with hands reaching for small pudenda; touch-hole underneath. Legs splayed and bent; feet turned outwards; right leg raised’ (Freitag 2004, 142).

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 29 May 2012

References

McMahon, J. and Roberts, J. 2001 The sheela-na-gigs of Ireland and Britain: the divine hag of the Christian celts - an illustrated guide. Cork. Mercier Press.

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

Cherry, S. 1992 A guide to sheela na gigs. Dublin. National Museum of Ireland.

Dunlea, P.P. 1945 A new sheela -na-gig. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 75, 114.