Sheela-na-gigs: unravelling an enigma

Here Barbara Freitag examines all the literature on the subject since their discovery 160 years ago, highlighting the inconsistencies of the various interpretations in regard to origin, function and name. By considering the Sheela-na-gigs in their medieval social context, she suggests that they were...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
1. Verfasser: Freitag, Barbara 1947- (VerfasserIn)
Format: Elektronisch E-Book
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: London [u.a.] Routledge 2004
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Zusammenfassung:Here Barbara Freitag examines all the literature on the subject since their discovery 160 years ago, highlighting the inconsistencies of the various interpretations in regard to origin, function and name. By considering the Sheela-na-gigs in their medieval social context, she suggests that they were folk deities with particular responsibility for assistance in childbirth. This fascinating survey sheds new light on a controversial phenomenon, and also contains a complete catalogue of all known Sheela-na-gigs, including hitherto unrecorded or unpublished figures
Beschreibung:1 Online-Ressource (VIII, 205 Seiten)
ISBN:9780203567067
DOI:10.4324/9780203567067