Sheela-na-gig (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

Sheela-na-gig currently stored in Cronin Room in Rothe House, Kilkenny. Discovered during clearance work in graveyard (KK030-004003-) containing medieval church (KK030-004001-), and said to have been buried there in early 19th century, after having been discovered in a local holy well (KK030-004006-) (Freitag 2004, 130). Described by Freitag as a figure, ‘carved in the round. Earless, inverted pear-shaped head; facial expression calm, ovoid eyes, wedge nose and slit-mouth. Thin neck, round shoulders; no breasts, but slightly incised ribs. Fingers of right hand just touching vulva, indicated as vertical line and ending in very noticeable deep hole. Left hand (much larger than the other) may hold an object resting on thigh. Peculiar leg position reminiscent of Egremont; left leg almost straight with foot turned inwards, while right leg tightly flexed at knee with heel of foot pointing at pudenda’ (Freitag 2004, 130). Cross-referenced with KK030-004006-.

See attached screenshots of 3D model of Sheela-na-gig created by Digital Heritage Age. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/6tusF

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 6 June 2012

References

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