What is recorded here

Esker castle still wears a horizontal woman across its southeast corner, her bulbous eyes and open mouth staring outward since medieval builders set the stone. She is not a mistake or a joke; her exaggerated vulva and long fingers mark the threshold where human life enters under watchful judgement. To pass that angle is to be seen, measured and accepted or refused by the building itself.

Horizontal figure carved onto E face of quoin on SE angle of Esker or Doon Castle (OF006-031001-) at first floor level (Guest 1936, 118). Described by Freitag as a figure (H 0.23m; Wth 0.38m) consisting of a ‘huge round head with ears; bulbous eyes, wedge nose and open mouth. Round shoulders, small round breasts, lines indicating ribs running across chest; at junction of legs strongly incised oval vulva. Right hand passing behind thigh while left hand passes over thigh, extremely long fingers on both hands. Legs almost straight with both feet pointing in same direction’ (Freitag 2004, 131). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 05 June 2012

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