What is recorded here

Exhibitionist figure in Burgesbeg is an exhibitionist figure in Burgesbeg, County Tipperary, Ireland. It is one of two carved sandstone figures from the old church, with bent legs, bulbous eyes and clearly defined ribs. The first was found inside the church in 1932 and is on loan to the National Museum, while the second is kept in a store room at Clonmacnoise. Cherry recorded that it was mistakenly identified as a sheela-na-gig.

Two carved sandstone figures (TN025-038002-/004-), originating from the old church (TN025-038001-) of Burgesbeg. The figure (TN025-038002-), on loan to the National Museum, was found in 1932 by a Mr Wallace inside the church at the base of the wall of the only remaining gable. The second figure from Burgesbeg appears to be the figure (OF005-004004-) now located in the store room at Clonmacnoise. Guest recorded that, 'Mr Wallace has informed me of the finding of two Sheela-na-gigs (TN025-038002-/004-) found lying outside the south wall of Burgesbeg churchyard (TN025-038003-) (Guest 1939, 48). This figure is currently kept in a store room adjoining the cathedral (OF005-004001-) at Clonmacnoise. Described by McMahon and Roberst as a figure with 'bent legs, bulbous eyes and clearly defined ribs. According to Weir there is 'a small protuberance, like an uvula [which is described as a 'hesitant penis'] immediately below what is a small deep hole which most likely represents the anus' (McMahon and Roberts 2001, 119). Recorded by Cherry as an exhibitionist figure that was mistakenly identified as a sheela-na-gig (Cherry 1992, 10). Cross-referenced with OF005-004004-. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 05 June 2012

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