Sheela-na-gig

The National Monuments Service's description

Located at first-floor level on the external face of the SE quoinstone of Ballyfinboy castle (TN010-005001). A barely discernible female figure with a round head, splayed arms and bent legs. The arms are pulling the vulva apart and the feet are turned outwards. A dense cover of ivy made detailed examination of the figure impossible.
Described by Freitag as a figure 'boldly carved clear outline of a standing neckless female set in a frame. Relatively small, earless round head, clearly incised ribs and no breasts, disproportionally thick arms, elbows turned outwards, reaching from behind splayed legs to touch sagging pudenda. Below an upright elongated indentation, seemingly indicating the vulva, there is a further downward pointing cavity which both hands clutch. Knees and feet bent outwards' (Freitag 2004, 123).

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.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 05 June 2012

References

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