What is recorded here

Aghadoe Castle fell to demolition, releasing a limestone slab where a woman still sits with legs splayed and one hand raised. Sheela-na-gig watched the castle be built, watched it rot, and watched men carry her to Aghadoe House. She holds nothing broken now except the certainty that privacy belongs to people, not stones.

Taken from Aghadoe Castle (CO066-03801-) during its demolition and now in possession of owners of Aghadoe House (CO066-03803-). Rectangular limestoneslab (0.7m x 0.5m) with figure (H 0.4m; Wth 0.3m) picked out in raised relief (0.1m) on one side. Female figure displays a large head, triangularin shape with eyes, nose, mouth and ears clearly defined. Torso shows form of rib-cage surmounted with small pendular breasts; legs are splayed, exhibiting genital area. Right foot and part of left foot broken off. Left hand raised, holding something broken aloft; right arm hangs by side of figure; fingers visible on hand. No. 7 in Cherry (1992, 4) catalogue. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 2: East and South Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1994). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009 Image provided by and copyright of Amanda Clarke 2016-2022 https://holywellscorkandkerry.com/

A Sheela-na-gig carving, likely from the 12th to 14th century, associated with medieval Christian Ireland; often linked to themes of fertility, childbirth, or supernatural protection. Its original use and specific folklore remain unclear, though similar figures appear in both ecclesiastical and secular contexts.

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