What is recorded here

Sheela-na-gig in Kiltinan is a sheela-na-gig in Kiltinan, County Tipperary, Ireland. The small high-relief figure has a grim face, deep-set eyes, slim torso, small breasts, deeply incised ribs, oval pudenda and widely splayed legs. Both arms are raised, holding an unclear circular shape in the left hand and a slim pointed shape in the right hand. It was moved to the north wall of the Kiltinan castle well house in 1940 and may have come from Kiltinan church or the castle.

Though the original location of this sheela-na-gig is unknown it is likely to have come from either Kiltinan church (TS070-101001-) or the castle (TS070-105004-). It is currently on the N wall of the well house associated with Kiltinan castle where it is recorded as TS070-101006-. According to Freitag (2004, 135-6) the sheela-na-gig is not in its original position but was put in its present location in 1940 and may have come from Kiltinan church (TS070-105001-). Freitag (ibid.) describes the sheela-na-gig as a 'small figure carved in high relief on slab. Well-sculpted head with grim facial expression, several lines across forehead to side of head, deep-set eyes. No neck; slim torso with small breasts and deeply incised ribs. Oval pudenda; widely splayed legs tapering into stone. One of the few Sheelas with both arms raised, holding an object in each hand. Neither object clearly discernible, left hand holds up circular shape and right hand a slim, pointed shape'. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Dated to the medieval period, the Sheela-na-gig is a carved stone figure associated with fertility and may have had a ritual or symbolic function in a Christian or pre-Christian context. Such figures are often linked to themes of childbirth and female power, though their exact meaning remains debated.

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