SÍLE NA GIG

SÍLE NA GIG

The enigmatic Síle na Gigs, of which about sixty remain extant form a bizarre body of pre-Norman iconography found on churches and religious houses in the western isles, mostly in Ireland. Executed in various renderings they elicit a shock to the sensibilities of todays viewer. 

Some are sublime, almost demure, but most convey a raw powerful female sexuality.  

 By the 12th century the Norman Vikings of France, took over the church in Ireland and much of Europe, enforced the pallium of Rome on the remaining Celtic Christian churches and fulfilled the final shift in church doctrine that began with the Synod of Whitby in 664. From then on the Síles were desecrated or removed from churches and monasteries, often reinstalled on Norman keeps, kept as charms to ward off evil. 

  This lovely lady, my favorite of the genre is from Kiltinane Abbey in Tipperary. I give it my own sculptural marks but the image is true to the ancient original.  

   I’m currently creating a series and perhaps some daring exhibitor will show these powerful ancient icons and the rude feminine power they exude.