Sheila Brooch

Sheila is unusual among the naughty goods – a person rather than an animated body part and alone, rather than with a friend. The only similar figure in our 65 examples is Mr. M, who is also exhibiting his parts.

We know of four extant brooches of this form. Three were found in the Netherlands (Nieuwlande, s’Hertogenbosch, and Brielle) and one, unprovenanced but perhaps French,  is currently in the Musée de Cluny. All are dated to the first half of the 15th century, on stylistic grounds. We copied the one from Nieuwlande.

Sheila brings to mind the sheela na gigs, the exhibitionist sculptures on the doors, walls, and windows of Romanesque churches and buildings in Britain, Ireland, and the Continent. There are many theories about sheela na gigs – folklorists and archeologists read them as protective symbols, representations of a Celtic goddess, fertility symbols, warnings against lust, or symbols of defiance. They have been adopted modernly by artists and feminists as emblems of female power, vibrant sexuality, and the struggle against misogyny and injustice.

The meaning of these brooches is equally unclear –  we think they are striking, vibrant, and sure of themselves. But you decide for yourself. Unlike the sculptures,  you can take Sheila along wherever you go. We hope she brings you luck and strength in your endeavors!