Sheela-na-gig

The National Monuments Service's description

Located under the modern balcony on the recessed E face of Redwood castle (TN001-001001). Described by Weir (1980b, 63) as a 'pathetic figure rather crudely carved. An enormous head and spindly body make it look like an ice-cream cone. The legs are very slightly splayed, and the arms hang asymmetrically across the body, the right hand apparently holding the left wrist. The left hand, unusually pulls the large and pendent vulva from above. The breasts are tiny, round and asymmetrical, the eyes, nose and mouth are large. On the sides of the head and body are grooves.'

The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008

References

Weir, A. 1980 Exhibitionists and related carvings in the Irish midlands: their origins and functions. In H. Murtagh (ed.), Irish midland studies: essays in commemoration of N.W. English, 57-72. Old Athlone Society.