We here at Mega Curious post a story about unusual sculptures discovered in gothic cathedrals that seem a bit out of place - like a Darth Vader head and a faun eating ice cream. But what would you think if you found a little statue of a woman showing her genitals in the middle of the church? Very strange, isn't it? See one of these curious figures below:

Oops!

According to Cara Giaimo from Atlas Obscura, sculptures like the one you just saw above have already been discovered in various parts of Europe, such as Spain, Norway, Scotland and Wales, and most of them have been found in Ireland and England. However, interest in these figures has only recently emerged, so little is known about what they really represent.

Exhibitionists

According to Cara, most of the statues date back to the Middle Ages, and the pieces were a standard decorative element of churches, castles, and other buildings of local importance and were usually placed over doors and windows.

Another Sheela-na-gig

In Ireland, these sculptures are known as Sheela-na-gigs, and even the translation of the name generates a bit of debate - the most popular interpretations being "old breast woman", "castle witch" and "supernatural river goddess" . Whatever the correct option, the term first appeared in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy in 1840-44, after one of these sculptures was discovered carved in the little church of Tipperary, Ireland, and generated some discomfort among the faithful.

One more

The man who spotted the exhibitionist figure was a man named Thomas O'Connor, who must have been very puzzled when he identified what the piece showed. This is because the vision led him to write an indignant letter in which he harshly criticizes the artist who created the sculpture - which Thomas calls immoral and wanton - and suggests that something of this nature should never be placed in a church.

Misunderstood figures

In addition, many copies have unfortunately been damaged - if not completely destroyed - by members of the clergy or more Puritan citizens. For it was because of such reactions that the little statues ended up gaining a bad name and were never taken very seriously by historians and archaeologists. Thus, those that were discovered and recovered over the years ended up in the basements and warehouses of museums and universities.

Objects of historical interest

Because they have never been properly studied, the real meaning of the sculptures is still a mystery. Some researchers argue that exhibitionist women were meant to ward off evil and death, while others believe they served as a warning against lust - and some argue that the figures are representations of fertility and rebirth.

Jeez!

As you may have noticed, there are still many things that need to be discovered about these fascinating sculptures. Fortunately, with growing interest in the pieces - which eventually came to be seen as objects of historical interest rather than mere obscene figures - they began to be properly studied and documented, and Irish archaeologists even mapped out the locations where women (displayed) can be found. Look:

Places where small exhibitionists can be found in Ireland

* Posted on 5/5/2017