2024

Milk & Magic: The Demonisation of Women in Irish Folklore is a project that unravels the deep connections between dairy production, folklore and the marginalisation of women in Ireland’s cultural history. Rooted in tales of butter-making, supernatural forces and rural superstition, this work explores how women’s roles in dairy were both essential and fraught with suspicion. Through an interdisciplinary approach blending research, storytelling and visual art, the project examines how accusations of witchcraft and magical interference served as tools of societal control, reflecting anxieties about female power and autonomy in rural Irish communities.

The research draws on rich resources, including artefacts and historical context from The Butter Museum in Cork City, which highlights Ireland’s agricultural heritage and the cultural significance of butter. This work represents the first phase of a larger visual art project, with this segment generously supported by a Cork City Council Arts Bursary. It integrates historical research with creative practices, which will include video and sound installations in the next chapter, to bring all these themes to life.

By revisiting tales of butter-stealing hags and enchanted milk yields, Milk & Magic uncovers the complexities of how women were both revered and demonised in Irish folklore, offering a nuanced exploration of gender, power and societal norms. This evolving project not only sheds light on Ireland’s past but also invites reflection on the narratives that continue to shape perceptions of women and authority today.