Sheela-na-gig (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

Sheela-na-gig built into a wall in a farmyard. The original location is unknown but it is likely that it come from either Balleen Castle (KK009-037001-), located c. 100m to the E, or Balleen church (KK009-038001-), located c. 200m to the SE, both on land attached to the farmyard. The figure is carved within a recessed frame (H 0.39m; Wth 0.27m) on the right hand side of a roughly rectangular slab (dims. H 0.45m; Wth 0.52m; minimum D 0.15m). Described by Freitag as a figure with a, 'Big, skull-shaped head with jug ears and strong facial features; thick ovoid eyes, flat wedge nose, deep striations on both cheeks, thick-lipped, open mouth displaying two rows of gritted teeth. Flat, pointy breasts at shoulder level; clearly marked ribs; big round navel. Arms in front of body with both hands reaching into vulva indicated as slit; fingers barely discernible. Legs widely splayed and bent; feet pointed outwards. A plait-like band hangs from left ear and disappears behind left shoulder’ (Freitag 2004, 133).

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien and Jean Farrelly

Date of revised upload: 9 July 2018

This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/1992).

References

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