I tried to see this sheela-na-gig a few times in the past, but never got the opportunity to come so close. As a matter of fact I was going to visit a nearby castle, but a local woman told me it was private and not accessible, and she directed me to this place instead, not knowing that it was something I had tried before.
***history of castle***
The sheela-na-gig is carved on a quoin stone on the southwest (225°) corner of the castle. It's rather high on the wall and with a tall tree growing in front of the building. The figure is rather skinny, with an oval head, a neutral expression, with a visible long nose. Something that looks like a plait runs from the back of her head to her left shoulder. Ribs and breast are visible. Her right hand is raised and open, showing the palm like she's waving, the other hand is reaching the vulva which is very detailed. Her legs are spread apart, her feet are pointing outwards and go over the limit of the frame in which the figure is.
Unlike other sheela-na-gigs, this one is very well preserved.
|