Sheela-na-gig in Athlone

On display in Athlone Castle Museum (WM029-042053-). Figure formerly placed above gateway of laundry belonging to the Convent at St Peter's Port (Guest 1936, 113; McMahon and Roberts 2001, 113). Abraded sandstone squatting figure. The hands are clasped around the legs which are drawn up under the chin and the vulva or anus is openly displayed. The face has protruding lips and slanting eyes. Dims. H 40cm, W 21cm, D 20cm. Originally from St. Peter's Abbey (WM029-042003-/ WM029-042091) (Bradley et. al. 1985, 48-9). Described by Freitag as a ‘sculptured almost in the round. Strong face with pursed lips, and a striated pattern incised across left cheek. With arms embracing tightly flexed knees. Big V-shaped vulva’ (Freitag 2004, 122). Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 05 June 2012

A medieval Sheela-na-gig carving, likely associated with ecclesiastical or ceremonial contexts; often interpreted as fertility symbols or guardians of sacred spaces.