Liathmore Sheela-na-gig
The Liathmore Sheela-na-gig is part of the northern doorway at the larger church ruin at Liathmore monastic site in the townland of Leigh, County Tipperary. Its Sites and Monuments Record no. is TN042-055004.[2]
| Liathmore sheela-na-gig | |
|---|---|
 Sheela-na-gig at Liathmore church | |
| Artist | Unknown |
| Year | Unknown |
| Catalogue | Guest[1] 61, Freitag 62, Andersen 91, McMahon/Roberts 67 |
| Medium | Sandstone |
| Subject | Sheela-na-gig |
| Dimensions | 10 cm × 45 cm (3.9 in × 18 in) |
| Weight | Unknown |
| Location | Leigh, County Tipperary |
The former monastic site is on private land, but signposted from the old Dublin-Cork road (as "Liathmore Two Churches").
Description
Barbara Freitag dates the small sheela-na-gig to the 12th century, while the church she is part of is dated to the 15th.[3] The Sheela-na-gig is lying on her left side with her triangular head with large eyes towards the inside of the church and the feet towards the former round tower (now only the foundations remain). Both arms are in front of the body with the hands touching the vulva on both sides which is indicated by a slit. Both legs are straight.[3]
The figure in low relief on sandstone used to have a floral decoration at her feet which are now defaced; similar carvings survive in the church.
Gallery
View from the foundations of the round tower towards the church
Carved stone detail inside the church similar in shape and size to the sheela-na-gig
Liathmore figurative relief inside the church, also similar to the sheela-na-gig
References
- Guest, Edith M. (1937). "Ballyvourney and Its Sheela-na-gig". Folklore. 48 (4): 374–384. doi:10.1080/0015587X.1937.9718712.
- "Historic Environment Viewer". Historic Environment Viewer. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
- Freitag, Barbara (2005). Sheela-na-gigs: Unravelling an Enigma. Routledge. p. 137. ISBN 1134282486.