Sheela-na-gig

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This massive sculpture (0.48m x 0.33m) is all that remains of an even larger Sheela-na-gig uncovered in Caherelly East (LI023-040001) during a bridge repair project. Workers placing the stone into one of the bridge's support structures alerted local resident John Hunt, who promptly notified authorities. Today, it's proudly displayed at the Hunt Museum Collection in Limerick City. The sculpture is severely damaged, with its head, left hand, and feet missing. However, what remains of the body is masterfully carved. A sleek, elongated torso with perfectly proportioned breasts and a delicately carved belly button rises above an enormous, gaping vulva and anus. The hands are positioned behind the legs, with only one remaining intact, featuring four distinct fingers. It's unfortunate that so much of this remarkable sculpture has been lost to time. On its rear surface, a spherical indentation is visible; whether it was crafted by human hand or naturally eroded from the limestone remains unknown. LI005-017180. Accession number: HCM 033