Fethard Abbey Sheela-na-gig

Fethard Abbey Sheela-na-gig
Sheela-na-gig at Augustinian Abbey in Fethard
Sheela-na-gig at Augustinian Abbey in Fethard
ArtistUnknown
YearUnknown
CatalogueGuest[1] 13, Andersen[2] 81, McMahon/ Roberts[3] 50, Freitag[4] 46
Dimensions50 cm × 20 cm (20 in × 7.9 in)
LocationFethard

The Fethard Abbey Sheela-na-gig is located in a wall on the grounds of the former Augustinian Abbey in Fethard. Its National Sites and Monuments number is TS070-040030. One of its earliest mentions is in the School Collection[5] which also includes a black and white photograph.

Description

The figure is not in its original location. The figure is in an upright orientation and carved in high relief with a disproportionately large head with what Barbara Freitag describes as "jug ears",[4] but a comparison with a monkey would not be too far off either. There are lines in the forehead and cheeks, maybe to indicate old age or emaciation. The ribs are clearly defined, and breasts are not indicated. The lower body has been defaced, so that the vulva and the right hand touching it are no longer visible. The fingers on the left hand are fanned out, similar to the lost Kiltinan example. The legs are straight and spindly with the feet missing.

See also

References

  1. ^ Guest, Edith M. (1937). "Ballyvourney and Its Sheela-na-gig". Folklore. 48 (4): 374–384. doi:10.1080/0015587X.1937.9718712.
  2. ^ Andersen, Jørgen (1977). The witch on the wall : medieval erotic sculpture in the British Isles. Copenhagen: Rosenkilde and Bagger. ISBN 8742301823.
  3. ^ McMahon, Joanne; Roberts, Jack (2001). The Sheela-na-gigs of Ireland & Britain: The Divine Hag of the Christian Celts : an Illustrated Guide. Mercier Press. ISBN 9781856352949.
  4. ^ a b Freitag, Barbara (2005). Sheela-na-gig: Unravelling an Enigma. Routledge. p. 133. ISBN 9781134282487.
  5. ^ "The Schools' Collection, Volume 0557, Page 432". duchas.ie. Retrieved 27 March 2022.