Bruce O. The Sheilas were spread more widely than just Ireland - there are a good sprinkling of them in England and France too. An Irish antiquary in the early 1840s researched the one at Rochestown (Co.Tipperary, Ireland) was told it was a 'Sheela-na-gig) and that gave rise to the term being applied to them. There was also a George Lewis lithograph of the Kilpeck (Herefordshire, England) one in 1840 but there are certainly references to them from the 18th century (and earlier I think). Antiquarian interest was certainly aroused in the mid 19th century.

The Witch On The Wall by Jorgen Andersen has information on the derivation: "Sheela-na-gig" has become applied as a type-name by researchers, but there is no evidence that it was ever a widespread, popular name for the figures...the name in Irish "is simply a term for an immodest woman"...Sheela-na-gig in 19th century Ireland was a term for females, not for figures, and it meant what it says, 'Sheela-of-the-paps'.

With reference to the tune then it may refer to "an immodest woman", but probably no to the figure.

Mick