Carved Figures
Maoiros, Conemara
B. Doherty
An internal arch with decorated terminals at Maoiros, Conemara is a rare lift when visiting church ruins. One wonders how many more of these fantastical features were robbed over the years. The archway in itself is very grand, and visible from quite a distance. Close inspection of the terminals on the internal transept of the south doorway show two creatures, one carved head with a mane of wavey hair, appears to be blowing back in the wind. The body is that of a four legged creature, possibly a horse. Its proximity to the sea may suggest the reason for the wavey hair, and the north wind that no doubt attacks the site during the winters.
The other terminal portays a butterfly, a gentler creature, more associated with the Spring or Summer months.
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