Ballynahinch - TS060-059003- - Sheela-na-Gig

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On the exterior face of Ballynahinch tower house (TS060-059001), about 2 meters above and slightly north of the partially dismantled entrance. The sheela-na-gig is carved in raised relief on a rectangular stone slab (H 0.55m). According to Freitag (2004, 124), it has a large round head with widely open eyes; strong wavy lines across the forehead; big jug ears are also present. A lean rib and no breasts seem to be indicated. Arms are held apart with hands clasped above the genital area, which is shown as a deep circular hole. The figure sits in a squatting position, knees bent, heels touching and toes turned outward. As White (1892, 8) notes, this sheela-na-gig is said to be a caricature of the cook, supposedly created as revenge for her incivility towards the workers employed in building the castle.