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

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On the external E face of Ballynahinch tower house (TS060-059001-), situated c. 2m above and slightly to the N of the broken out doorway. The sheela-na-gig is carved in raised relief on a rectangular slab (H 0.55m). Described by Freitag (2004, 124) as having a ‘big round head with eyes wide open; strong billowy lines across forehead; large jug ears. Lean rib, and no breasts seem to be indicated. Arms akimbo with hands joined above pudenda, shown as a deep round hole. Squatting position, knees bend, heels touching … and toes turned out’. According to White (1892, 8) the sheela-na-gig is ‘said to be a caricature of the cook, in revenge for her incivility to the tradesmen employed in building the castle’.