Sheela-na-gig

A Sheela-na-gig is a carved stone figure found on medieval European buildings, especially churches and castles. It typically depicts a naked woman with exaggerated genital features, often spreading her legs. Scholars believe these figures served as protective symbols, warding off evil, or as fertility symbols reflecting the importance of life and rebirth during the medieval period. While their exact purpose remains debated, they are recognized as important cultural artifacts that reveal insights into medieval attitudes towards sexuality, health, and spirituality.