Thurles - TN041-042005 - Sheela-na-Gig -

sketchfab

Located on a section of wall behind Lyon's Tyre and Batteries Centre in Thurles town, a carving is situated. The carving is located on the top of the wall and appears to have been inserted at a later date. According to the OS Letters, the W gate of the town was known locally as 'geata na Gcoileach' or the gate of the old woman with a carving of an old woman chiselled on a stone in one of its sides (O'Flanagan 1930, vol. 3, 7-8). It has been suggested that this is a reference to the sheela-na-gig. The figure consists of a woman carved in relief, sporting a pear-shaped head, almond-shaped recessed eyes, a small nose and horizontal mouth on a square body with sagging breasts, splayed legs and arms pulling vulva apart. Pronounced jug-shaped ears are also present, along with the lower leg on the dexter side being missing while that on the sinister side terminates in a foot positioned sideways with pronounced heel and foot.