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National Monument No. 81. In store room adjoining cathedral (OF005-004001-). According to Guest this figure originally came from Burgesbeg church (TN028-035001-) (Guest 1939, 48; McMahon and Roberts 2001, 119). Carved in relief on one face of octagonal stone (dims. H 0.25m x Wth 0.21m), all other sides smooth and without decoration. Huge earless head with bulbous eyes and a biggish chin. Angular shoulder; clearly incised ribs, no breasts. Left hand resting on thigh, right arm raised with hand held to side of face. Deep hole indicating vulva with clitoris (?) at upper end. Legs slightly apart and bent with both feet facing the same way (Freitag 2004, 129-30). According to Weir there was '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). This figure has been described by Cherry as an exhibitionist figure that has been mistakenly identified as a sheela-na-gig (Cherry 1992, 10). Cross-referenced with TN025-038004-.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). 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: 02 July 2012
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