Sheela-na-gigs: Origins and Functions.
Author: KELLY, Eamonn P.
Dublin: Country House, 1996. 47 pages. Illustrated. Paperback.
“Sheela-na-gigs are carvings of naked females posed in a manner which displays and emphasises the genitalia. In recent decades, interest in the figures has grown and they have often been a source of controversy. Once thought of in negative terms only, they have more recently come to be regarded in a positive light. There is little tradition or folklore recorded in Ireland which provides any useful insight into their origin or function. Here Eamonn P Kelly of the National Museum of Ireland examines the examples throughout the countryside and others held for display, and makes comparisons with similar figures occurring in Britain and the rest of Europe. He reveals for the first time to the general reader, in text and illustrations, the locations and the possible background to these mysterious Irish carvings.”
ISBN: 094617251X