Sheela-na-gig (present location) in Gardens (kilkenny City By., St. Mary’s Par.) — Report the wrong picture

What is recorded here

Kilkenny’s Sheela-na-gig is a small carved woman whose exposed vulva and peculiar seated pose make her read as a boundary marker rather than a modest church ornament. Tradition says she came from a local holy well before being buried in a medieval churchyard, where clearance work brought her back into human hands. She is now kept in Rothe House, stripped of her old location but still carrying the risk and life-force that made people handle her twice.

Sheela-na-gig currently stored in Cronin Room in Rothe House, Kilkenny. Discovered during clearance work in graveyard (KK030-004003-) containing medieval church (KK030-004001-), and said to have been buried there in early 19th century, after having been discovered in a local holy well (KK030-004006-) (Freitag 2004, 130). Described by Freitag as a figure, ‘carved in the round. Earless, inverted pear-shaped head; facial expression calm, ovoid eyes, wedge nose and slit-mouth. Thin neck, round shoulders; no breasts, but slightly incised ribs. Fingers of right hand just touching vulva, indicated as vertical line and ending in very noticeable deep hole. Left hand (much larger than the other) may hold an object resting on thigh. Peculiar leg position reminiscent of Egremont; left leg almost straight with foot turned inwards, while right leg tightly flexed at knee with heel of foot pointing at pudenda’ (Freitag 2004, 130). Cross-referenced with KK030-004006-. See attached screenshots of 3D model of Sheela-na-gig created by Digital Heritage Age. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/6tusF Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 6 June 2012

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.