What is recorded here

Mallow depot, Quartertown Lower. The stone woman crouches with legs splayed and hands at her vulva, her anus carved plainly at the base. Sheela-na-gig faces outward, not modest, not decorative. Glanworth Castle built her into its gate tower to turn evil back. She still does that wherever she is set.

Discovered during archaeological excavation (1982-84) at Glanworth Castle (14328) 'in one of the two vaulted ground floor chambers in the north side of the original rectangular gate tower' (Manning 1987, 278) (See CO027-042004-). Figure carved on one entire face of roughly trapezoidal stone (H 0.52m; Wth at base 0.35m; Wth at top 0.21m; D 0.44m). Figure depicted in a position of display with legs flexed and widely splayed and hands grasping vulva, left arm lying across torso while right arm passes beneath thigh; uncommon feature is anus which is shown distinctly at base of stone (ibid., 280). Figure has large head, hunched shoulders, breasts and ribs are clearly indicated. Probably originally prominently displayed on wall of castle, where it served 'an apotropaic function' (ibid., 281). Now in National Monuments and Historic Properties Service depot, Mallow. Compiled by: Archaeological Survey Unit, UCC Date of upload: 05 June 2012

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