The Bray Figure
or
Sheela-na-Gig

​We are currently undertaking research into this fascinating object ~ bookmark this page 

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2010 Illustrations & notes on first observation
Probably contemporaneous with the church. Squatting, possibly hooded, figure with left hand on head and right hand gesturing to lower abdomen. It could be that the right hand is lifting the skirts to effect a display? It has been suggested that the figure is ithyphallic in character, although the posture and design suggests a female form. The widely held belief that the figure was to warn against lust is questionable, it is more likely a vestige of pagan/folk belief  i.e. an apotropaic genital display to ward off evil or threat, a superstition tolerated/incorporated into early Christianity; ideas/origins later modified in-line with the changing attitudes of the Church...

An approximation of the Bray Figure or Sheela-na-Gig
based on what remains visible today:

2019 Updated photo's

These pictures help refute much of the above... as always, work in progress!

Easter 2022 update:

Useful Links

The Sheela Na Gig Project's entry for The Bray Figure at www.sheelanagig.org/Bray

Theories on origins and symbolism at www.sheelanagig.org/Theories

For more information from Wikipedia see wikipedia.org/Sheela_na_gig

Research / Bibliography

Ancient Man in Britain by Donald A. Mackenzie
A Guide to Britain's Pagan Heritage by David Clarke
The Sheela-na-Gigs of Ireland and Britain by Joanne McMahon & Jack Roberts
Gogmagog by T. C. Lethbridge
The Story of V by Catherine Blackledge
Sheela-na-Gigs: Origins and Functions by Eamonn P. Kelly
Images of Lust: Sexual Carvings on Medieval Churches by Weir & Jerman
Kali: The Feminine Force by Ajit Mookerjee
The Pagan Religions of the Ancient British Isles: Their Nature and Legacy by Ronald Hutton

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