Is sheela na gig a goddess?
More recently, researchers have leaned towards the idea that the sheela is a pre-Christian folk goddess and her exaggerated vulva a sign of life-giving powers and fertility. Even her name is an enigma – although one theory is that “sheela” could mean an old woman or crone, and “gig” was slang for genitals.
What does Sheela Na Gig represent?
Sheela Na Gig, also spelled Sheela-na-gig, short form Sheela, a type of (usually) stone architectural figure of uncertain significance, representing a naked woman gesturing to or otherwise flagrantly displaying exaggerated genitalia.
What does na gig mean?
Sheela na gigs are figurative carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated vulva. Other grotesque carvings, such as gargoyles and hunky punks, were frequently part of church decorations all over Europe. It is commonly said that their purpose was to keep evil spirits away (see apotropaic magic).
What does gig mean in Irish?
An alternative explanation is that ‘Gig’ is related to the Irish slang for vagina ‘gee’ or an old English and Scottish word ‘gig’ or ‘geig’ meaning the private parts of a woman. If this explanation is correct it could mean ‘Hag of the vulva’.