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Sheela-na-gig currently in Rothe House, Kilkenny. Discovered during clearance work in Coolaghmore 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 KK019-026170-.
See attached:
KK030-004006-_01 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolaghmore_Sheela-na-gig
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 6 June 2012
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