Sheela-na-Gig at Balgeeth, Ardcath.

Sheela-na-gigs are female carvings which emphasise the genitalia. Judging from the buildings where Sheela-na-gigs are found they were craved between the 12th and 17th centuries, however they may have been based on much older pre-Christian fertility symbols. In the medieval period they were most likely warning symbols against the sins of the flesh, in the pre-Christian period Sheela-na-gigs are more likely to have represented the celebration of female fertility.

Entrance Wall

This lovely Sheela-na-gig is set in the wall of a farm yard at Balgeeth, Ardcath, Co. Meath. It was discovered turned inwards when the wall at the entrance to the farm yard was damaged by a milk lorry.

The name sheela-na-gig is from the Irish language however the exact meaning is uncertain. Eamonn Kelly in his book on Sheela-na-gigs: Origins and Functions suggests 'The old hag of the breasts', Sighle na gCíoch in Irish or 'The old woman on her hunkers', Síle-ina-Giob in Irish.

Other names for sheela-na-gig include the Devil Stone, the Idol, the Evil Eye Stone, Julia the Giddy, Shiela O'Dwyer, Cathleen Owen, Saint Shanahan, Whore, the Witch, and the Hag of the Castle.

Theories abound as to the meaning and dating of Sheela-na-gigs, with a consensus almost being arrived at which agrees that they appear mostly on churches and castles built after the 12th century and are possibly a continuation of a much earlier pagan custom. There are many opinions as to what the figures represent and their raison d'etre. These opinions are as diverse as the shapes and styles of the Sheelas themselves and include Pagan Spirit, Mother Earth, Earth Goddess, Pagan Goddess, good luck symbols, fertility symbols, figures to celebrate womanhood etc. It is widely believed that they repel evil spirits. More ...

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Ireland's Síle na Gig - Listing of Síle na Gig locations in Ireland. From Abbeylara to White Island, there are 147 locations listed. The site is maintained by Síle na Gig enthusiast Gabriel (Gay) Cannon.

The Sheela-na-Gigs of Ireland and Britain by Joanne McMahon
and Jack Roberts.

Sheela-na-Gigs are carvings of female images depicted as naked and posing in a manner which accentuates the most powerfully evocative symbol of the vulva. They were erected on many churches of the medieval period and invariably in a prominent position such as over the main entrance door or a window.

There are 140 Sheela-na-Gigs listed, (100 in Ireland, 40 in Britain) and each entry includes a description, location and a drawing.

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Sheela-na-Gigs - Unravelling an Enigma by Barvara Freitag.

The presence of carvings of naked female figures may seem rather incongruous in medieval churches, monastic sites and castles, but that all depends on what they symbolised. Taking a rational rather than spiritual approach, Barbara Freitag argues that these female figures are not connected to eroticism, love-making or warnings against lust, but to childbirth, to life-giving powers, renewal and fertility.

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Sheela-na-Gigs: Origins and Functions by Eamonn Kelly

Sheela-na-gigs are carvings of naked females posed in a manner which displays and emphasises the genitalia. Once thought of in negative terms only, they have more recently come to be regarded in a positive light. There is little tradition or folklore recorded in Ireland which provides any useful insight into their origin or function. Here Eamonn P Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland examines the examples throughout the countryside and others held for display, and makes comparisons with similar figures occurring in Britain and the rest of Europe.

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