Current: The Sheela na Gigs in the National Museum of Ireland's (NMI's) reserve collection
The Sheela na Gigs in the National Museum of Ireland's (NMI's) reserve collection
Most Sheela-na-Gigs in the NMI's collection were acquired because of a risk to their safety, with the majority of examples remaining in situ within the monuments that they are part of. The NMI holds a collection of 18 Sheela-na-Gigs. Out of this total, 9 are on display: 1 in the NMI, Kildare Street, 2 in Co. Cavan, 2 in Co. Clare, 1 in Co. Kerry, 2 in Co. Offaly and 1 in Co. Westmeath. To enable everyone to appreciate the examples not currently on display, we have created an Online Gallery here.
Sheela-na-Gigs are carvings of naked females posed in a manner which display and emphasise the genitalia. In recent decades interest in the figures has grown and they have often been a source of controversy. Sheela-na-Gigs were first brought to scientific attention in the 1840s by antiquarians, some of whom regarded their aggressive sexuality in negative terms. More recently the images have come to be regarded in a positive light and because of their popularity, we want to make them virtually accessible to all and have recently had them photographed.
For more information see Kelly, E. P. 1996 Sheela-na-Gigsin the National Museum of Ireland, Country House, Dublin.
The National Museum of Ireland is delighted to launch its latest programme of guided tours, workshops and resources for primary and post primary schools for the spring term.
