This pretty little Sheela-na-Gig is carved on the keystone above the main door of a towerhouse that is currently under renovation. Ever since moving to Ireland I've always wanted to live in a towerhouse, but somehow don't think I'll ever get the chance.
This figure is accompanied, somewhat unusually, by a marigold, a bird and a rosette. She has two plaits of hair that project out horizontally from her head one of which is in a standard French plait and the other seems a more complicated knot pattern. The latter has a ring by the head which could be an ear or an earring. A bump below her right plait may be an ear.
Both hands pass in front of her body to indicate her groin, but there is no clear vulva. There is something between her played legs which, it has been suggested, may represent menstrual flow. Her navel is visible and she might have a left breast. There is no sign of the right one.
The carving is done in false relief, but most of the outer edge of the stone has been broken away.
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A Random Selection of Nearby Monuments
St. Munna's Church (Co. Westmeath) | Fethard Abbey (Co. Tipperary) | Cloghan Castle (Co. Roscommon) |
Garry Castle (Co. Offaly) | Doon Castle (Co. Offaly) | Ballyfinboy Castle (Co. Tipperary) |