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Sheela-na-gigs on Medieval and Early Modern Buildings

  • 21/05/2024
  • 18:00-19:30
  • online talk

Photo: Rosemary Power

Sheela-na-gigs on Medieval and Early Modern Buildings

A Folklore Society online talk, by Dr Rosemary Power (Affiliate, CAMPS, University of Galway)

Tuesday 21 May 2024, 18:00 BST

These figures are found in northern Europe, especially in Ireland. There are some 7-8 in county Clare alone. They are often found on churches from in the middle ages, sometimes in hidden and sometimes in exposed positions; and are found too on later tower-houses, homes of wealthier families. The figures are deigned to be intimidating, and Interpretations range from a warning against the sin of lust to apotropaic protection, to female expressions of power. This talk develops the arguments from a 2012 paper in Folklore, considering them from the perspective of their positioning on the structures where they are found, and seeking to identify their purpose.

Dr Rosemary Power writes academically on medieval Norse-Gaelic contacts, especially in the Hebrides; and on folk tradition. She also writes books for a wider audience.

Tickets £6.00 (£4.00 for Folklore Society members with Promo Code: log in to https://folklore-society.com/members-only to get the Promo Code): https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sheela-na-gigs-on-medieval-and-early-modern-buildings-tickets-812704841057?

Every ticket sold helps to support the work of The Folklore Society.

Photo: Rosemary Power