Sheela Na Gig

Sheela na gigs are figurative carvings of naked women with exaggerated genitalia often found in Ireland and Great Britain on churches. They are a variety of grotesque carving. The anasyrma- the gesture of exposing oneself- was thought to have a warding effect on evil.

I am making an embroidered sheela na gig and combining it with kolacsa-inspired Hungarian floral embroidery in this piece. The hair is very snaky and Medusa-ish, but kept pretty symmetrical to have a bit of an abstract, decorative feel.