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Sheela na gig
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A sheela na gig is a figurative carving of a naked woman displaying an exaggerated vulva. These carvings, from the Middle Ages, are architectural grotesques found throughout most of Europe on cathedra
A 12th-century sheela na gig on the church at Kilpeck, Herefordshire, England
A 12th-century sheela na gig on the church at Kilpeck, Herefordshire, England
Sheela na gig from Ireland in the British Museum (12th century)
Sheela na gig from Ireland in the British Museum (12th century)
Sheela na gig on the south-west pillar of the presbytery in St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney, ca. 12th to 13th centuries, Norman and Romanesque.
Sheela na gig on the south-west pillar of the presbytery in St. Magnus Cathedral, Kirkwall, Orkney, ca. 12th to 13th centuries, Norman and Romanesque.
Sheela na gig on town wall in Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland
Sheela na gig on town wall in Fethard, County Tipperary, Ireland
Apotropaic magic
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Apotropaic magic or protective magic is a type of magic intended to turn away harm or evil influences, as in deflecting misfortune or averting the evil eye. Apotropaic observances may also be practice
Sheela na gig
…were frequently part of church decorations all over Europe. It is commonly said that their purpose was to keep evil spirits away (a practice known as apotropaic magic). They often are positioned over doors or windows, presumably to protect these openings. Scholars disagree about the origins of the figures. James…
Medieval apotropaic marking on the inside of a church in Suffolk, England
Medieval apotropaic marking on the inside of a church in Suffolk, England
The Gorgon, flanked by lionesses and showing her belt clasp of serpents; the pediment of the 580 BCE temple of Artemis in Corfu. Archaeological Museum
The Gorgon, flanked by lionesses and showing her belt clasp of serpents; the pediment of the 580 BCE temple of Artemis in Corfu. Archaeological Museum of Corfu.
Jewish apotropaic neckband sewn with coins to deflect the evil eye. 1944, Basel, in the Jewish Museum of Switzerland's collection.
Jewish apotropaic neckband sewn with coins to deflect the evil eye. 1944, Basel, in the Jewish Museum of Switzerland's collection.
An ancient Egyptian apotropaic wand shows a procession of protective deities. It was used in birth rituals, perhaps to draw a magic circle around the
An ancient Egyptian apotropaic wand shows a procession of protective deities. It was used in birth rituals, perhaps to draw a magic circle around the mother and child.