'Janus Figure' Boa Island, Fermanagh

Gallery Edition: Limited to 75 in series of three sizes on heavyweigth fine art paper.

Artist Edition: Limited to 15. Large format fine art print float-mounted in wooden tray frame. Prices on request.

Boa Island ’Janus’ figure, County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland.

Two ancient figures can be seen within the old Caldragh graveyard on Boa Island, on Lough Erne, though they have been moved to these positions at some point in the past. The smaller figure was taken from Lusty More island and around 2001, the lower portion of the larger ’Janus’ figure which depicts its large hands, was reportedly also found on Lusty More.

The ’Janus’ figure shows two figures on opposing sides, their heads and bodies joined together and a lattice-like carving of what may be hair is shared between them. Both are depicted with arms placed across the body, oversized heads and wide, penetrating eyes but they lack typical Christian symbolism, leading some to speculate that they may be Iron Age god-figures. Anthony Weir, who has studied medieval carvings across much of Europe, believes they are more likely to date to the 8th century, perhaps even as late as the 12th century.

At the top of the figure, between the two heads, is a deep groove which may have held another part of the statue or was used for offerings. Today, it is typically filled with water and coins.

The smaller figure is shown in a more typical ’celtic’ pose, which is more difficult to see due to weathering.

Print only on heavyweight fine art cotton rag paper with white border. Sizing relates to paper size.