Sheela-na-gig in Churchland

Now located in the National Museum of Ireland (Cherry 1992, 6); believed to have come from E gable of old church (OF039-003004-) of St Kieran (now destroyed); illustrated in Dublin Penny Journal Vol. 3 in 1834-35 where it is described as located on the `eastern gable of the church is ornamented with an old freestone window-frame, at some distance from which there also projects from the wall a grotesque figure in freestone about one and a half foot long’ (Guest 1936, 114) Limestone block (0.26m x 0.26 x 0.4m) with grotesque figure carved out in raised relief (0.1m) on one side. Female figure displays large head with deep rounded eyes, slightly grooved cheeks, flat nose and round open mouth with small ears carved in relief. Two deep holes on top of flat head with small hole under chin. Chest shows rib-cage with pointed breasts; legs are splayed with arms pulling vulva apart. Seven curious holes around the genital area with large hole at base of stone. Described by Freitag as ‘one of the best known Irish Sheelas because of ring of holes drilled around genital area and additional holes in throat and top of head, suggestive of having served some pagan ritualistic function. Round head with ears, hollow ovoid eyes, small nose, round, wide open mouth and striations on cheeks. Heavy shoulders, flat pointy breasts resting on deeply incised ribcase. Seated on her haunches with knees pulled up and splayed, held back by elbows. Right hand close to pudenda, fingers pointing downwards, left hand holds round object at height of pudenda. Feet turned outwards’ (Freitag 2004, 141). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 05 June 2012

Dated to the 11th to 13th century, the Sheela-na-gig is associated with medieval Christian Ireland, often linked to themes of fertility, childbirth, or ecclesiastical warning. Such figures were commonly placed on church buildings, possibly to symbolize the dual themes of sin and redemption or to ward off evil.