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Sheela-na-Gig at Balgeeth, Ardcath.
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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 13th and 17th centuries, however some people believe them to
be much older pre-christian fertility symbols. In the
medieval period they were most likely warning symbols against the sins of the
flesh, if they have a pre-christian origin Sheela-na-gigs are more likely
to represent a celebration of female fertility.
This lovely Sheela-na-gig is set in the wall of a farm house at Balgeeth,
Ardcath, Co. Meath. It was discovered turned inwards when the wall at the
entrance to the farm house 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 Sheelana-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.
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