Sheela-na-gig

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated at the crest of the E-facing slope of Tara Hill and within the graveyard (ME031-033034-), with the church site (ME031-033071-) just to the S. Carved on the E face of an upright standing stone aligned N-S that has a rectangular cross-section (dims 0.58m x 0.26m; max. H 1.88m). The stone is dressed back on both sides as if it was meant to fit in an architectural structure (Andersen 1977, 152). The possible standing stone (ME031-033019-) is c. 2.5m to the ESE. It is described by Freitag (2004, 143) as a figure, ‘carved in high relief on lower half of stone, and because much worn difficult to interpret in detail. Big jug ears; facial features simple indentations. Arms in front of body, joined together in vaguely discernible gesture towards lower abdomen; left leg nearly straight, the other bent inwards.’

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/6qPHs

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of revision: 27 January 2015

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.