Well, here’s a first for us. Being British, having lived there for decades, passport and everything, we thought we’d seen most of Great Britain (and we have.) We love the country, the people, the vibe and, most of all, the history. We won’t belabor you with long swathes of prose about Britain. Social media floods the press, apps and video. If you’ve not been, jump on a plane and fly. See what it’s all about. I thought I had seen it all until my better half introduced me to something that I’d never heard of. Sheela Na Gig.
Hidden in plain sight, these wooden or stone sculptural figures can be found in churches across the UK and in central Europe. Let’s take a closer look at these fantastic creatures. A Sheela-na-Gig (also spelled Sheela na gig) is a distinctive and enigmatic figurative carving of a naked woman, typically found on medieval churches, castles, and other buildings, primarily in Ireland and Great Britain, but also in other parts of Europe. Her defining characteristic is the exaggerated display of her vulva, often with her hands pulling open the labia. She usually has a somewhat grimacing, aged, or even monstrous facial expression, and her body is often gaunt or disproportional, not idealized or overtly eroticized. Not for kids or the squeamish, that’s for sure.
Apotropaic (Ward off Evil): This is one of the most widely accepted theories. Like gargoyles and other grotesque figures found on churches, the Sheela-na-Gig might have been intended to scare away evil spirits, demons, or even death. The exposed vulva, as the source of life, was perhaps seen as having a powerful, even frightening, ability to repel malevolent forces. People are still discussing what it all means. But, when you find yourself near an ancient church or Abbey or even add statue by the roadside, stop and have a look. You can surprise your friends with your knowledge of ancient history, and some anatomy lessons, too. One good example is Rattoo Round Tower in Kerry, Ireland. Some nice content here, too.
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