The weathered woman.
The weathered woman is a statue with lots of history behind it, carved from limestone it is an amazing piece of artwork and is coverd by fossils of all kinds.
Formation of Limestone
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that is mainly formed in shallow and warm marine waters. This environment is optimal for organisms capable of forming shells and skeletons made of calcium carbonate to extract the ingredients they need from the water.
When these organisms die, their skeletons and shells build up and collect as a sediment that could be transformed into limestone (lithified). The waste products from these organisms can also contribute to the sediment.
How are the fossils formed?
Over a period of time, the remains of the marine organisms are covered with more and more sediment. The parts of the organisms which did not rot (the skeletal or shell parts), are encased in newly-formed sediment. When enough pressure (more and more sediment layers) is placed on top of the remains, they will become more solid, creating the white fossils we see here.
Limestone in Ireland
Approximately 40% of Ireland is underlain by limestone. With few exceptions, Irish limestone belongs to two geological periods: Carboniferous (around 300–340 million years ago) and Cretaceous (70–120 million years ago).
The Carboniferous limestones are usually hard and grey to black in colour, and are found in almost every part of Ireland (except Antrim and Wicklow). The hard nature of the carboniferous limestone makes it ideal for use in building stone. The Cretaceous limestone (chalk) is somewhat softer and usually white in colour, and is found solely in Ulster (Antrim, Armagh, Down, Derry and Tyrone). Cretaceous limestone is too soft to be used in building, but is often used in cement-making.
Fossils appearing in limestone
Bivalves can vary in shape and size but commonly look like circles or 'C' shapes. They are cross sectional views through the valves of shelled organisms (like mussels and clams)
Brachipods are similar to bivalves but usually have one valve bigger than the other
Coral fossils are identified by a series of 'dots' in a group.
Questions,
1: What year is wrriten on the statue?
2: What type of fossils can be seen on the statue?
3: Wrriten on the statue, who sponsord it?
4: (Your opinion) Do you like the statue, or not?
5: How is limestone made?
6: Describe brachipods, what they are, and how are they diffrent from bivalves
I also reccomend doing the Ennis sculpture trail attached below.
ENNIS SCULPTURE TRAIL
Why not have a gentle stroll and follow the Ennis Sculpture Trail along the riverside and through the town. The Sculpture Trail takes many forms, depicting cultural, historical and sporting events, as well as more abstract pieces. A member of our reception team will provide map of the town to assist you with this.
Click here to see map
"A Fish Tail" by Carmel Doherty.
This limestone sculpture suggests a fish leaping out of the water. Its position inside the fountain at the Maid of Erin roundabout in Ennis highlights this.
"Memory of Meaning" by Colin Grehan & Barry Wrafter
This piece celebrates Clare's win in the All Ireland Hurling final of 1995. It consists of 3 over lifesize stones.
"Four Minds" by Diarmuid O'Twohighk
Four minds combine Christian and early Greek philosophies, with each head representing a different idea. Head 1 shows Care, Head 2 tranquility and harmony, Head 3 anxiety or angst, Head 4 sensuality and totality of being.
"Dreamboat" by Fiona Dwyer
This piece is carved from Kilkenny limestone and consists of a boat with a cross above it. There are little drawings carved into the stone - a star map, a dress, a heart - and everyone can interpret the symbols in their own way.
"Embrace Nature" by Shane Gilmore
This limestone sculpture shows the relationship between mankind and nature. It was Shane's first attempt at stone carving. See if you can spot a frog, a fish, an otter and a bird
"Sleepy Head - Helping Hands" by Shane Gilmore
These two limestone pieces in Parnell St. Car Park were created in 1998 by Shane Gilmore and his assistant David McNamara. He believes that they symbolize the laid back and friendly side of life in Ennis
"Clara" by Carmel Doherty
On the corner of Bindon street, we find "Clara" a limestone lady reclining gracefully and resting on her elbows. As with a "Fish Tale", Carmel has worked hard with diamond-tipped tools to achieve a smooth, glossy finish on this sculpture.
"Trinity" by Diarmuid O'Twohignk & Marcel Twogighk.
Trinity, a triangular piece is situated beside the Club Bridge in Ennis. Each of the three corners is formed into a human figure, but each head features some animal elements. The sculptors seek to express the bond between nature and man.
"Contentment is Wealth" by Fiona O'Dwyer
Given this title by Fiona due to her pieces in O'Connell Square in Ennis. It is the name of a traditional Irish tune. One of the sculptures is a fiddler playing his fiddle, while the other is a chair, where one can relax and listen to the imaginary music.
"Wooden Sculpture" by Rory McNamara
Celtic Rest, date of completion 2004. Contemporary shaped chair construction of oak and limestone
"Weathered Woman" by Jose Croft
This limestone lady in Barrack Street, Ennis represents all of us 'weathered' by life. She is the final stop on the seated sculpture trail and provides a spot where one can sit, read or just relax. Jose Croft was educated in Australia. She finds great inspiration in Ireland's rich heritage of ancient stonework.
"Hands" by Shane Gilmore
Date of completion 2008. Hands giving praise outside the cathedral.