This was a neat little piece in the Shropshire Star. Reporter Sophie Bignall discusses the figure known as the Sheela na Gig, who is found in carvings dating back to the Norman period. Long regarded as a fertility symbol, the Sheela is typically portrayed as a primitive sort of character, with her exaggerated vulva spread wide open.
Although traditionally the Sheela has been regarded as a representation of a fertility goddess, John Harding, spokesman for the national Sheela na Gig Project, says, "the symbols are more likely to have originally been a warning against the sin of lust, before gradually mutating into a protective force against demons. In modern times, the Sheela na Gig has become a pagan symbol." The figure is found in a number of places in Britain and Ireland, but most prominently in Shropshire, which is along the Welsh border. Experts say that during the Victorian era, many of the carvings were destroyed or altered, thanks to the repressive social mores of the time.
Other than the fact that a local reverend thinks Paganism was invented in the 19th century, it's quite an informative article, and I hope we'll see more on this as the project continues.
Although traditionally the Sheela has been regarded as a representation of a fertility goddess, John Harding, spokesman for the national Sheela na Gig Project, says, "the symbols are more likely to have originally been a warning against the sin of lust, before gradually mutating into a protective force against demons. In modern times, the Sheela na Gig has become a pagan symbol." The figure is found in a number of places in Britain and Ireland, but most prominently in Shropshire, which is along the Welsh border. Experts say that during the Victorian era, many of the carvings were destroyed or altered, thanks to the repressive social mores of the time.
Other than the fact that a local reverend thinks Paganism was invented in the 19th century, it's quite an informative article, and I hope we'll see more on this as the project continues.
I am so tired of remarks like that of John Harding that the open vulva of an woman must be some kind of “warning against the sin of lust”. And the reference in the article calling the statues “grotesquely erotic”.Goddess forbid, that women might at one time (along with their body parts) be actually revered instead of sexualized.This is so boring and keeps us so rooted in our violent patriarchal paradigm. UGH! Could we open our minds just a little?
Writing as a woman, I actually do not take offence at his comments! In medieval times mysogyny was rife and as such women would not have been revered (as much as some would like to think so) The comments about the Sheela na gigs are generally based on fact or evidence, as much as exists. When discussing these things you have to try to keep the conversation based in fact and not guesswork or opinion even though everyone is entitled to one. One last point, it they were celebrating us as women, why the hell depict like that and not something beautiful!!
I find it comical that the Shropshire Star uses the term “private parts” instead of “vulva.” I understand that our society is patriarchal and that many people find words like “vagina,” “uterus,” and “vulva,” to be “dirty” and offensive. However, this is no excuse to use improper terminology when referring to the human body, whether male or female. Kudos to Ms. Wigington on her apt use of the word “vulva.”