What is recorded here

Sheela-na-gig in Burgagery-Lands West is a sheela-na-gig in Burgagery-Lands West, County Tipperary, Ireland. The trapezoidal stone measures 0.62 metres high and 0.6 metres wide, showing a fierce mouth, lean ribs, droopy breasts and splayed legs. It was discovered in a Clonmel wall in 1944, is believed to have belonged to the Dominican priory, and is housed in the National Museum of Ireland.

According to Freitag (2004, 130) a sheela-na-gig (H 0.62m; W 0.6m) was discovered in a wall in Blue Anchor lane, Clonmel in 1944 and is believed to have been associated with the Dominican priory (TS083-019011-). It is currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland. Freitag (ibid.) describes the sheela-na-gig as 'carved on trapezoidal-shaped stone. Broad earless head with top half of face destroyed or weathered, a fierce mouth showing gritted teeth, only facial features discernible; broad shoulders; lean ribs carved in relief below flat, droopy breasts which show striated pattern. Seated pose with legs splayed and feet turned outwards. Right hand under thigh; left arm in front of body with fingers inside large, oval, swollen-looking pudenda; touch-hole underneath'. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Dated to the medieval period, the Sheela-na-gig is likely associated with the Dominican priory and may have had a symbolic or protective function, possibly linked to fertility or warding off evil. Such figures are commonly found near religious sites and their meaning remains the subject of scholarly debate.

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