Sheela-na-Gigs: Unravelling an Enigma

by Barbara Freitag

Here Barbara Freitag examines all the literature on the subject since their discovery 160 years ago, highlighting the inconsistencies of the various interpretations in regard to origin, function and name. By considering the Sheela-na-gigs in their medieval social context, she suggests that they were folk deities with particular responsibility for assistance in childbirth.
This fascinating survey sheds new light on a controversial phenomenon, and also contains a complete catalogue of all known Sheela-na-gigs, including hitherto unrecorded or unpublished figures.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Architecture, Ireland, Archaeology

232 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2004

About the author

Barbara Freitag was a lecturer in Inter-Cultural Studies at Dublin City University and since 2007 is a fulltime researcher and author.

Reviews

[Marko Vasić · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sheela-na-gig is rather peculiar Celtic and medieval atavism, spread throughout entire Ireland and Britain: lapidary effigies, grotesque in stature, with countenance awry in bizarre grin, protruding ribs, withered breasts, sunken eye sockets, with petty or without nose, overly extended arms, and of the uttermost prominence – several times enlarged pudenda with plump labia, often distended or sundered by statue’s hands. These effigies were often sited on the church’s gables, corbels, quoins or outer ramparts of the castles. Some were clandestine within the walls. Many inquiries regarding Sheela’s remain still unresolved to date: what their purpose was, why were they located on such specific spots, why did the carvers hew their countenance and thorax to resemble of an old crone’s, whilst their vulva was all with turgor and succulence, were they connected with some Celtic female deity; were they protectors of the women, were they reminders of how lust and disgrace look like, were they settled there by the very Church as admonishment to the sinners… and, at length, what is the meaning of their name? Barbara Freitag tried to yield explanations of these unanswered questions, and enclosed much of them in this book. Written and compiled in arid, scientific manner, dense and with myriad citations as a reflections of sheer scholarly style. I find it rather interesting and comprehensive in three major chapters: “The Sheela-na-gig phenomenon”, “Sheelas and academic research” and “The problem of the name” – thither Barbara in detail explained all of that matter with more or less interesting passages. The abundant fourth chapter is mere redundancy and unnecessary veering of the focus. Discussion about the hazardous medieval motherhood, woman in labour’s helpers and Church and folk religion with a minor or absent connection with very Sheela’s was somewhat interesting, but quite unnecessary and smothering. Yet, catalogue and the photographs of some representing Irish and British Sheela’s are another positive fact of this scholarly proceedings. All in all – great and comprehensive monography that answered me on many questions that I was asking myself regarding this extraordinary and quite interesting bequest.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is scholarship as it should be. Freitag's research is copious and she conveys her enthusiasm throughout. She covers previous theories with a dry humour and delves into many areas that previously seem to have been unconnected. Parts have the excitement of a detective story. Who would have thought there was a Royal Navy ship called the Sheelanagig? Freitag's own theory may have a few issues but it's at least as convincing as anything put forward before and at the very least she persuasively demonstrates the persistence of old folk beliefs into quite recent times.

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and well researched and fascinating book about the Sheela Na Gig.

[Jaindoh · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books out there on the Sheela na Gig phenomenon.
Excellent research.

[Anna-Lena Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quiet in depth in the right places, and broad as an overview of a fascinating subject. Written with a lightness of touch that kept me entertained. I wish I had bought the paper version, as the kindle was okay, but you can't reference the photos and footnotes easily.

[Deirdre Collins]

read this for my paper in gender in deep time!

[Meli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Top-tier academic research. This book was fascinating, informative, well argued and a delight to read.