The Cailleach is the oldest of all Gaelic deities, perhaps she’s older still and stretches back to a time of the great ice. Perhaps she has been known by many different names over the eons.

In the foklore past down to us it is said that at Samhain (31st October) she makes her way to her cauldron, the Corryvrecken Whirlpool - where washes her great plaid.

As she pulls it out of the water and shakes it dry, water droplets instantly freeze covering the surrounding hilltops in the first dusting of snow. Modernity paints her as an evil old crone who strikes down life but they have forgotten her age-old ritual - life must die throughout the winter in order for it to be reborn again in spring.

Making process

This doll is made over a wire armature so her arms are moveable. Her body is made from British core wool from small holdings. Her clothes are upcycled - cloak a synthetic fabric with Celtic knotwork design, which has an embellishment of three limpet shells.

She is adorned with some budding twigs- a statement which speaks to her rebirth symbolism.

Doll Details

Hangs from the wall via a circular wire

Measurements

• Doll length - 63 cm

• Actual body length - 27 cm

• Widest part - 26 cm

  Shipping

• UK - Tracked 48 via Royal Mail

• The rest of the world: International Tracked via Rpyal Mail