SSNS Seminar – Sheela-na-gigs in Scotland: medieval survivals and the search for meaning

A rarity in Scotland are sheela-na-gigs, figures found both  inside and on the outer walls of churches, and in Ireland also in tower houses, and which are widespread in England.  They depict a contorted and usually aggressive female figure with enlarged genitalia.  The handful of Scottish carvings appear independent of each other in style, but all seem to have been professionally carved. This paper discusses the sheelas, together with a figure at Taynuilt in w the western Highlands which is today called a sheela-na-gig but appears to have originated as  a very different figure. Interpretations  of their original purposes are explored, together with more recent views.