1-231-655 - Reproduced by permission of Historic England/Heritage Images

Sheela-na-Gig, Kilpeck, Herefordshire.The church of St Mary and St David, Kilpeck, is a remarkable example of a small Norman church of the 12th century. It is heavily decorated with sculpture, including this Sheela-na-Gig which seems very pagan in its imagery. Sheela-na-gigs are female exhibitionist carvings found on walls, abbeys, convents, churches, pillars and other structures in Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, as well as in other parts of Europe. They come in many different shapes and sizes, but all share the same characteristic of a prominent and often enlarged genitals, often held open by the figure's hands. Most date from the middle ages.