Clonmacnoise Exhibitionist Figure OF005-029005

3D Model

This acrobatic exhibitionist figure is located on a lozenge shaped voussoir on the Chancel Arch of the ‘Nuns Chapel’ at Clonmacnoise. The Figure is part of a larger decoration of the doorway. The head is shown with a large brow or headpiece the eyes inset and a extruding triangular nose. The mouth has a smiling expression and the cheeks are puffed out. The body is not show. The figure is on it’s back with the buttocks below the chin. The legs extend behind the head and the anus and vulva are on show.

It is difficult to say if this is a precursor to the sheela-na-gig style. It fits in with the larger European tradition of acrobatic figures. The setting can be seen on the full archway model here