Scholars disagree about the origins of the figures. They often are positioned over doors or windows, presumably to protect these openings. It is commonly said that their purpose was to keep evil spirits away (see apotropaic magic). Other grotesques, such as gargoyles and hunky punks, were frequently part of church decorations all over Europe. The carvings may have been used to ward off death and evil. Another well-known example may be seen at Kilpeck in Herefordshire, England. There is a replica of the Round Tower sheela na gig in the County Museum in Tralee town. One of the best examples may be found in the Round Tower at Rattoo, in County Kerry, Ireland. Ireland has the greatest number of surviving sheela na gig carvings McMahon and Roberts cite 101 examples in Ireland and 45 examples in Britain. The highest concentrations can be found in Ireland, Great Britain, France and Spain, sometimes together with male figures. They are architectural grotesques found all over Europe on churches, castles, and other buildings. Sheela na gigs are figurative carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated vulva.
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